MTT Tying the Knot
Michael Tilson Thomas and his partner of 38 years, Joshua Robison (also MTT's manager), were married in a private ceremony on Sunday. State Senator and longtime friend of the couple, Mark Leno, officiated. MTT, who was conducting the New York Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concerts at the time, hired Leno 40 years ago.
Salaries in Opera
Rupert Christiansen writes in the Daily Telegraph on Monday:
Because we know about as much for certain about opera singers’ fees as we know about the origins of the Universe, I was fascinated to notice in a corner of the Metropolitan Opera’s website the open admission that for “the 2010-2011 season, the top artist fee was $16,000 per performance.”
[How does that compare with banker bonuses, basketball player salary, etc.? — JG]
Netrebko's (Possibly) Amicable Departure from Munich
The Bayerische Staatsoper announced on Monday:
During the premiere performances of Giacomo Puccini’s Manon Lescaut (Nov. 15 through Dec. 7), Kristine Opolais will replace Anna Netrebko in the title role.General Manager Nikolaus Bachler expressed his deep regret that Anna Netrebko would not be performing. “We would still like to thank Anna Netrebko for deciding at an early stage that, due to differing artistic perspectives on the work, she would prefer to pull out. The Bayerische Staatsoper is well known for combining first-class musical quality with exciting and innovative directorial approaches. In this field this can, of course, mean that in rare cases certain artistic constellations don’t work out. But, we’re looking forward to welcoming Kristine Opolais back and working together again with Anna Netrebko in future seasons.”
[Twelve days before the premiere is not really "early stage." — JG]
Mill Valley Philharmonic's Russian Festival
Mill Valley Philharmonic's 15th season opens Nov. 7-9 with three free concerts in various Marin locations, featuring a Russian Festival of works by Rimsky-Korsakov (Russian Easter Festival Overture), Balakirev (Overture on Czech Themes), Glazunov (Saxophone Concerto, with Kevin Stewart), and Prokofiev (Lieutenant Kijé Suite).
S.F. Opera Guild Family Events
San Francisco Opera Guild is sponsoring a series of free family events from Nov. 8 through Nov. 16. Check the Guild website for information about "Sing a Story" interactive events in public libraries about Hansel & Gretel, The Magic Flute, La bohème, and Rheingold.