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Karolina Kuras / National Ballet of CanadaRead on for coverage of pandemic responses, Nutcracker productions, and other issues and people in the news. (Photo: Karolina Kuras/National Ballet of Canada)

 

 

Orchestras and Issues in the News

 

Both Ontario and Quebec are re-imposing capacity limits, gathering restrictions, and considering further “circuit breaker” measures in response to the spiking Omicron variant, the Globe and Mail reports. Arts leaders in Ontario are urging policy makers to maintain capacity levels and restrict food and drink sales, the Toronto Star reports

It’s Nutcracker season, and the Globe and Mail reviewed how three companies’ productions have changed in response to the pandemic and cultural trends: the National Ballet of Canada, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and Alberta Ballet

 

The San Antonio Symphony Musicians’ strike is in its 12th week, and many musicians struggle to make ends meet, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Nevertheless, a group of SAS Musicians have organized a Caroling Project to visit several communities in need, according to the San Antonio Report

 

The Los Angeles Times published a feature about the evacuation of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, which includes the celebrated, all-female Zohra Orchestra, following the Taliban takeover of the country. 

 

The Nashville Symphony recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, and The Tennessean featured a retrospective. 

 

 

People and Hiring News

 

Bramwell Tovey recently extended and expanded his role with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, as Principal Conductor and Artistic Director, Newport Buzz reports. Tovey also recently debuted as music director of the Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports.

 

The Edmonton Opera recently appointed Joel Ivany as its new artistic director, the Globe and Mail reports. Ivany was the founder of the indie collective Against the Grain Theatre, which has collaborated with the Toronto Symphony. He also directs the opera program at the Banff Centre. 

 

Milwaukee Symphony Executive Director Mark Niehaus recently suffered a minor stroke and is expected to fully recover, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. Niehaus performed as the MSO’s principal trumpet prior to taking over the top executive job in 2012. 


La Presse followed musicians of the Montreal Symphony for a community concert at St. Justine Hospital, discussing outreach initiatives with new music director Rafael Payare. (in French)

 

Compiled by Matt Heller and Melissa Goodchild, with assistance from the OCSM Editorial Committee. Please send comments, corrections, and content tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Happy and healthy holidays!