A name familiar to Columbus music lovers is in the news this week. Â Maestro Christian Badea is preparing to conduct 86 musicians as Opera Australia stages Die Tote Stadt. Â Problem is, the orchestra won't be anywhere near the stage or orchestra pit.
The Opera Theatre has spent the last 10 years trying to get approval for the orchestra pit expansion project, estimated to cost between $800 million and $1 billion dollars.
For now, Maestro Badea will conduct the orchestra in a nearby studio, while the orchestra is piped into the theatre through some 97 speakers. Read Pit's Not Up to It (The Australian)
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Musicians, Come to Terms Early
Unlike many orchestras in today's world, the management and musicians of the St. Louis Symphony agreed on a new contract 14 months ahead of the old one's expiration. Read SLSO, Musicians, Sign New Contract (St. Louis today)
Five Things You Didn't Know About Erik Satie
Erik Satie, referred to as the Velvet Gentleman because of his impeccable grooming and dress, was an eccentric character, to say the least. Â Just check out the titles of some of his pieces if you don't believe me.
Satie lived in a threadbare apartment to which he admitted no one for the last 27 years of his life.
What was discovered inside upon his death gives a little insight into the inner workings of Satie's mind. Read Five Things You Didn't Know About Erik Satie (Limelight)