BY JOHN GLOVER
This week, we share the distressing news of a national publication that risks closure, and it’s shaking up the classical music community. But we also say hello to some wonderful musicians making waves in the industry.
…and GO!
UNCERTAIN TIMES
Classical music and arts magazine Limelight is at risk of closure, after publisher Andrew Batt-Rawden (Arts Illuminated Pty Ltd) announced that there will be no March issue, contracted staff have been let go, and the company may call in liquidators. However, there is hope that buyers are interested in taking over this iconic magazine, which has supported the Australian arts scene for more than 40 years. To our friends at Limelight, we hope that you will push through this tough time and continue to build your legacy.
CutCommon editor Stephanie Eslake, who for four years has also contributed to Limelight as a monthly critic, states: “To learn that Limelight faces liquidation, so recently after the news of RealTime and the Fairfax arts coverage crisis, is absolutely distressing for our publishing industry. We need diversity and broad coverage of classical music in Australia. As editor of CutCommon, and as a contributor and subscriber to Limelight, I personally hope that we will see a positive outcome in the days to come”.
NEW DIRECTORS FOR SA STATE OPERA
The State Opera of South Australia has appointed Stuart Maunder artistic director and Yarmila Alfonzetti as executive director. Both figures have had extensive experience in large arts organisations (the New Zealand Opera, Opera Australia and Sydney Youth Orchestras among them, just to name a few) and we look forward to seeing them flourish in their new roles. Stuart and Yarmila, we wish you the best of luck!
HELLO, SSO FELLOWS!
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has taken on 13 young musicians for its renowned fellowship program. More than 200 applicants applied for the fellowship. The 2018 fellows will receive mentoring from the orchestra; and the chance to perform in their own chamber music series. Congratulations to these fine musicians!
CLASSICAL:NEXT!
Pianist Aura Go and percussionist/composer Matthias Schack-Arnott have been chosen as the Classical:NEXT fellows for 2018. Selected by a panel of industry leaders and Australian Music Centre representatives, Aura and Matthias will join the Australian delegation at the Classical:NEXT conference in Rotterdam, giving our fellows the chance to mix in a melting pot of artists and creators from around the world! (Disclaimer: CutCommon was shortlisted in the Classical:NEXT 2017 Innovation Award.)
Visit us again next week for your arts news headlines.
If you have news to share, why not get in touch? Editor@cutcommon.com.
