Classical Notes: March 18, 2009 Archive

Arts Funding and the Law

Posted at 12:18 AM on March 18, 2009 by Gillian Martin

Back in November, an amendment to the Minnesota constitution was passed that created a new sales tax, the revenue from which would go to the arts and the outdoors. As Euen Kerr has reported on MPR News, a hearing was held at the Capitol Monday night to discuss how the arts funds might be distributed. (Hear or read Euen's stories here and here.)

In light of that, this story from New Jersey about what can happen to mandated arts/outdoors funding in difficult economic times gave me a bit of a chill.

Handsome Devil

Posted at 3:51 PM on March 18, 2009 by Rex Levang

The Metropolitan Opera is noting its 125th anniversary this season, and this past weekend, they staged an elaborate gala event to celebrate. Its special feature was the re-creating of sets and costumes from famous past productions, going all the way back to the very opening night.

It's interesting to see how Mephistopheles was costumed in 1883, as compared, say, with the Minnesota Opera's 2009 approach.

There was also a lot of star power in the audience (Claire Danes, Kanye West, Claudia Schiffer...), as you can see from the slides shows of those who walked down the red carpet, and stayed for the party afterwards.