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Ruth McKenzie to Revamp BBC/Arts Council's The Space

It has been hailed by some, but castigated by more as a waste of money. The Space is a digital arts initiative jointly launched by the BBC and Arts Council England. And its 2013 pilot projects have met a decidedly mixed reception, but a lack of a coherent overarching vision is a criticism that comes up frequently. New BBC Director-General Lord Tony Hall was thought to not have been too impressed so far. However, he has just announced a new director for The Space, and a relaunch. Few will quibble with his choice of director.
By Classicalite Newsdesk

  • EXCLUSIVE: Classicalite Q&A with Leon Botstein

    Be it a concert that reframes musical war horses or one that gives music, herself, a frame (during the middle of a labor dispute, no less), the American Symphony Orchestra is certainly one of the more daring ensembles you'll hear play Carnegie Hall. Under the baton and brain of Leon Botstein, the ASO takes its founder Leopold Stokowski's avowed intention--namely, "that orchestral music shall remain accessible and affordable for everyone"--and gives it a new charge: Orchestral music should also edify the public at large. But as Botstein duly notes in this exclusive discussion with Classicalite editor-in-chief Logan K. Young, in the sound world of late Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Elliott Carter, intellectual heft never does betray the "immensely musical."
    By Logan K. Young

  • WATCH: Stephen Fry/Alan Davies at Royal Opera House's Deloitte Ignite Verdi/Wagner Festival

    What does great art do to our bodies? In an exciting world first, The Science of Opera with Stephen Fry and Alan Davies saw a team of medical scientists from UCL discovering what happens inside us when we go to the opera. Opera lover Stephen Fry took his friend, Royal Opera virgin and QI panellist Alan Davies, to the Royal Opera House. They were hooked up with the latest medical gadgetry to record the physical effects on their bodies of watching Verdi's political masterpiece Simon Boccanegra.The Science of Opera promises some landmark medical discoveries as well as answering some key questions; was Alan Davies won over by opera? Did Stephen Fry get shivers down the spine during the show? Did either of them fall asleep? And what could opera do to you?
    By Logan K. Young