Wake up to Hildegard

Alexandra Pakhmutova, composer of ‘Nadezhda’ and other Soviet schlaggers, turned 95 last week. Her biggest fan, Vladimir Putin, sent a message. The Bolshoi was packed with acolytes. Yuri Bashmet conducted, just about. Ildar Abdarazakov, Hibla […]

The head of the U.S. Copyright Office, Shira Perlmutter, has been abruptly dismissed by an email from the White House. It read: ‘Your position as the Register of Copyrights and Director at the U.S. Copyright […]

Helsinki’s Finlandia Hall will reopen tomorrow after three years of refurbishment. Designed by Alvar Aalto, the landmark venue has been reconfigured as an all-day venue, with restaurants and other facilities, including two Aalto-designed apartments for […]