News to start your week!
One of the famous stories of music history is the way in which Bach’s music fell into obscurity after his death to be rediscovered later by Felix Mendelssohn. I’ve just been made aware of the work of Bach scholar Christoph Wolff who asserts that it was Mendelssohn’s aunt, Sara Levy, who first introduced Felix to the music of J.S. Bach. Read the rather insightful article here.
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra has named New Zealand conductor Gemma New Resident Conductor for the 2016-2017 season. New is also the Music Director for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (Ontario, Canada) and Associate Conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Read more at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The Dallas Opera Hart Institute for Women Conductors has said that they will be announcing the second class of students today (June 6). As we wait for the news to break, spend some time reading the thoughts of General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera, Keith Cerny, who reflects on the first year of the Institute and shares (edited) quotes from the applications for the 2017 Institute that demonstrate how needed the program continues to be. The full article is available at TheaterJones.com.
The San Diego Symphony said goodbye to violinist Pat Francis on Sunday who retired after 61 years performing with the ensemble. She is the longest serving musician in the history of the orchestra. The San Diego Union-Tribune has the story.
What did we miss? What have you been reading? As always, leave a comment with a link to let us know!