opera update….an new name for the opera theatre

The Brussels Philharmonic has revolutionised the use of paper in music performance by distributing Samsung Galaxy devices to its more than 100 musicians. Digital scores are then sent to the players, shaving hundreds of thousands of dollars off their budget. Stylus pens are used to make markings on the scores. More at: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-10.1-is-the-tablet-of-choice-for-the-Brussels-Philharmonic_id36405

Nikolaus Harnoncourt, now 84 and retired from conducting has been made an Honorary Member of the Berliner Philharmoniker. Read more from Gramophone Magazine.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra has wrapped up a hugely successful and comprehensive tour of Europe with a private recital for Prince Charles and 150 invited guests at St James’ Palace. During the tour, the ACO performed in Birmingham, London, at Vienna’s Musikverein, and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, in Antwerp,  Wilhelmshaven, Luxembourg and Basel. This brings up their half century…

Last month, the second bi-ennial Synaesthesia festival was held at the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart (MONA). This ability to experience sound through a different sensory modality seems to be not as rare as once thought and fascinates scientists and musicians alike. Journalist and synaesthete Holly Williams delves into her own experiences…