FEATURE
Artists can copyright works made with AI assistance: Agency
The Hill: Sarah Fortinsky
Artists can copyright work they create using tools powered by artificial intelligence, as long as sufficient human creativity is involved, according to a new report from the U.S. Copyright Office.
RESEARCH AND OPINION
Edmond Dédé, America’s First Black Opera Composer
Early Music America: Patrick D. McCoy
Dédé’s Morgiane, ou Le Sultan d’Ispahan, from 1887, is perhaps the oldest known complete opera by an African-American composer. Hidden away for 138 years, the world premiere production of ‘Morgiane’ is a partnership between OperaCreole and Opera Lafayette.”
Young Women Are Transforming Pop. Now They’re Taking On the Grammys.
NY Times
Over the past year, the pop world has been dominated — and transformed — by an insurgent group of young female artists. Each in her own way, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan invigorated the music industry with irreverent humor, unapologetic sexuality and stylistically bold visions. Now, they’re among the most-nominated artists at this year’s Grammys, which take place in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Here’s a close-up look at all four — and their loyal fans.
Paola Prestini & Magos Herrera Center Sor Juana’s Radical Mysticism in “Primero Sueño”
I Care if You Listen: Lana Norris
In their stunning processional opera, co-creators Paola Prestini and Magos Herrera and director Louisa Proske present the story of Sor Juana, a 17th-century proto-feminist nun whose passion for knowledge pitted her against powerful men – and her own voracious intellect.
Sense of Place: This Berklee group shines a light on musicians with disabilities
NPR: Raina Douris and Miguel Perez
Berklee’s Music Inclusion Ensemble is a group comprising musicians who identify with a disability, as well as their typically-abled peers. Every week, they meet to rehearse works that they’ll later perform for Berklee and the Boston community.
Doug Fullington on Awakening Pacific Northwest Ballet’s New Sleeping Beauty
Dance Magazine: Marcie Sillman
Fullington and PNB artistic director Peter Boal are now set to premiere a new Sleeping Beauty, based on the original 1890 production, by drawing on such materials as the original libretto and photographs from the 1890s, as well as Stepanov notation made in St. Petersburg, Russia, a decade later.
NATIONAL
Kennedy Center’s Leader to Step Down, Adding to Uncertainty
New York Times: Javier C. Hernández
The announced departure of Deborah F. Rutter, the center’s president since 2014, comes as the center continues to search for a new board chair while navigating a second Trump term.
With Fires Burning, the Grammys Made a Choice: On With the Show
New York Times: Ben Sisario
Sunday’s event has high-profile contests featuring Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan. But the big question may be whether the show strikes the right tone.
Shuttered Pitchfork Fest faced escalating costs, “compromises” in bookings, co-founder says
WBEZ Chicago: Mark Guarino
Co-founder Mike Reed said the longtime Chicago fest also was burdened by increasing pressure to book commercial pop acts like Justin Bieber.
Better together: Oregon Arts Commission, Cultural Trust aim for a merger
Oregon Artswatch: Bob Hicks
The two state agencies are asking the Legislature to OK creating a new united agency, with the hope of more efficiency, creative thinking, independence, and impact on Oregon’s art and culture.
Minnesota Orchestra posts $3.8M deficit for fiscal year 2024
The Minnesota Star Tribune: Jenna Ross
Ticket sales for conductor Thomas Søndergård’s first season were up. But they couldn’t fill the hole left by the loss of federal funds.
INTERNATIONAL
Sense of Place: For this Afghan pianist, music is an act of resistance
NPR: Raina Douris and Kimberly Junod
For the final story from NPR’s Sense of Place: Boston series, pianist Arson Fahim shares his story and talks about how he has used music to fight for change, support Afghan musicians and spread awareness.
Ex-dancer settles with Royal Ballet School over ‘body-shaming’
BBC: Hayley Hassall
The Royal Ballet School (RBS) has reached a financial settlement with a former student, who said the body-shaming she experienced while at the elite institution has left her with lifelong psychological damage.
Marianne Faithfull, a Pop Star Turned Survivor, Is Dead at 78
New York Times: Jim Farber
A fresh-faced singer in the 1960s, she went on to experience more than her share of hard times before emerging triumphant in the ’70s.
Musical adaptation of Coraline cancelled after allegations against Neil Gaiman
The Guardian: Nadia Khomami
Producers say it is ‘impossible to continue’ with musical that was due to be staged at Leeds Playhouse from April, before touring to Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MUSIC BUSINESS
Paul McCartney: Don’t let AI rip off artists
BBC: Laura Kuenssberg
Sir Paul McCartney has told the BBC proposed changes to copyright law could allow “rip off” technology that might make it impossible for musicians and artists to make a living.
Spotify paid out $10 billion to the music industry in 2024
Music Business Worldwide: Murray Stassen
The company revealed last February that it delivered USD $9 billion the prior year (2023), meaning Spotify paid out a full $1 billion more in 2024 than it did in 2023.
Spotify Wins Big Against the MLC. But Will They Win This War?
Digital Music News: Paul Resnikoff
Here’s a music industry newsflash: everybody hates Spotify’s cut-rate ‘bundled’ royalty payments — except for Spotify. Six-year-olds enjoy cauliflower more, but now that Spotify just whipped the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) in court, is there anything music publishers can do about it?
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
The Former Chicago 7-Eleven That Will Now Dispense Classical Music
WBEZ Chicago: Abby Miller
Access Contemporary Music broke ground on its Lake View location in December, and the venue is expected to open this year. The performance venue will include a bar and a music school that will expand the nonprofit’s Chicago footprint.
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