BY JOHN GLOVER
We know it can take a while to trawl through all the headlines in your newsfeed. So we’ve compiled our top picks for you to absorb quickly – leaving you more time for practice (or procrastination). Set your timer and have a read – we’re here to keep you up-to-date on the big events in your industry.
This week, we see more exciting music festivals and programs planned for 2018; as well as some concerning news regarding harassment in the industry.
…and GO!
GET READY, CANBERRA!
The line-up for the Canberra International Music Festival has just been announced this week, and boy does it look enticing. With 10 days packed to the brim with 23 unique and tantalising concerts, it seems there’ll be something for everyone both young and young-at-heart. Concerts will feature some talented national and international artists such as William Barton, Orava Quartet, Tim Fain performing Recomposed by Max Richter – Vivaldi: The Four Seasons and the Israel in Egypt and Beowulf concerts exclusive to the festival – and these are the cherries on top of plenty more (check out the full program online).
LET’S FIGHT THIS TOGETHER
A UK survey has found that six in ten people who work in the classical music industry have experienced discrimination and sexual harassment of some sort, primarily in orchestral and ensemble environments. What’s even more concerning to hear, however, is that 75 per cent of people questioned did not report harassment – out of fear for losing their job.
CutCommon cares about these incidents and, as a community, we are all here to look out for each other. If you have experienced any sort of harassment to some degree, we urge you to be courageous and come forward – to your loved ones, your management, a Fair Work Ombudsman, or a friend – we will hear you.
SSO DOING GREAT THINGS FOR MUSIC EDUCATION!
A three-year program has been initiated by Credit Suisse and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to provide high quality music education to six select primary schools from low socio-economic areas. The program aims to expose Year 3 students and teachers to classical music with invitations to all SSO school concerts, tours that take students on a look behind-the-scenes of an orchestra, and special interactive concerts at the schools themselves. What an initiative!
NEW AWARD FOR CONDUCTORS
State Music Camp has donated funds to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music to create a brand-new award for Melbourne conductors. Presented annually to an MCM student who has shown a high standard of musicality and potential to develop their conducting skills, the $3500 award will certainly give aspiring conductors a helping hand in the refinement of their skills. The awardee will also get the opportunity to conduct an orchestra during State Music Camp – how cool is that??
PIANOS GALORE!
The Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia will be hosting a piano festival in 2018! The festival will present educational conferences, masterclasses, and recitals featuring acclaimed pianists Lisa Moore and Sonya Lifschitz. Check it out if you’re in Adelaide during June 2018!
AUSTRALIA SAID YES TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY
In a landmark move, the House of Representatives has passed the same-sex marriage bill in Australia. It did take hundreds of hours of debate, but they got there in the end – and this is certainly a victory for those inside our LGBTQIA+ arts community and well beyond. Congratulations, Australia!
WE’RE GOING TO PRINT!
CutCommon is launching its inaugural print edition! It’ll be released in first semester 2018, featuring in more than 40 locations across the nation as part of a huge roving launch. And you’re all invited. Find out more.
Visit us again next Friday for your weekly arts news headlines.
If you have news to share, why not get in touch? Editor@cutcommon.com.
