+ Marc Chénard’s account of the 2016 Cartel New Music Conference presented June 1–5 at le Vivier.
“In the wake of its most recent meetings, Cartel is still a work in progress. There are still several hurdles to clear, the most significant of which way will be the contrasting mindsets of North-American and European presenters. On that issue, Pierrette Gingras sees one main difference in that the former are much more action oriented than the latter, who are more inclined to engage in ideological or conceptual discussions.”
+ Rappers Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Lil Kim were honoured on Monday on VH1.
+ Two JACK Quartet founders, Ari Streisfeld (violin) and Kevin McFarland (cello), are leaving the group. They will be replaced by Austin Wulliman (violin) and Jay Campbell (cello). One wonders aloud if they will have to change the name of the ensemble to JACJ.
+ This Day in Music: Oscar Hammerstein II, one half of famed musical theatre duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, was born today in 1895.
+ Video of the Day: Conrad Tao covers Beyoncé’s “Blue” on Piano. #summervibes
+ Oberlin’s Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition will reward young talent this week, with thirty 13-18 year-old pianists facing off for the top $20,000 prize.
+ Lachine is holding its 39th annual Lachine Music Festival this week.
