The Victoria Bach Festival celebrated its 50th season with a poignant performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor, dedicated to the memory of Robby Burdge, a beloved leader who supported the arts and community. The concert was attended by Robby's family, friends, employees, and festival patrons, leaving no one dry-eyed. Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez called it "Bach's ultimate testament" and praised its perfect fusion of intellect and emotion. The week concluded with a landmark finale concert featuring Brahms' Symphony No. 1, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, and the world premiere of composer Juan Pablo Contreras' Symphony No. 1, commissioned exclusively for the festival. A permanent monument was dedicated to honor the festival's legacy, and organizers thanked the musicians, volunteers, donors, and audiences who made the anniversary possible.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/local/victoria-festivals-50th-anniversary-season-strikes-chord/article_cc620829-18c5-4b76-8f1b-4bd4b1d6ba5c.htmlThe Princess of Wales visited the V&A Museum in London, where she praised its diverse and eclectic collection, calling it "so eclectic". She was accompanied by Tim Reeve, deputy director and chief operating officer, who noted her genuine enthusiasm for the museum's mission. The visit highlighted the public's access to the museum's behind-the-scenes world, including a drum kit once played by Keith Moon of The Who and iconic dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth II designed by Norman Hartnell.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1319851-princess-kate-keeps-calm-and-carries-on-when-ignoring-rulebookDonald Trump will attend a performance of "Les Misérables" at the John F. Kennedy Center Opera House, where supporters who paid up to $2 million to watch with him are expected to be in attendance. The event comes as the arts complex faces financial struggles since Trump's administration took control, and CNN's Brian Stelter believes it will be a test of whether the Kennedy Center can adapt to Trump's vision while still generating revenue.
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-kennedy-center-2672352510/Tate Liverpool, a museum in the UK, experienced a significant decline in visitors from 660,000 in 2019 to 405,000 in 2022. The institution is now planning to cut 7% of its workforce as part of cost-cutting measures. This move comes after Tate announced its 2023 programme, which includes exhibitions featuring Hilma af Klint and Piet Mondrian, as well as solo shows for Isaac Julien and Sarah Lucas.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/06/11/tate-liverpool-gets-£12m-from-uk-government-to-support-delayed-revampPresident Donald Trump is set to attend the opening night of "Les Misérables" at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., marking his first performance as president at the venue. The event comes after Trump's administration made significant changes to the center, including replacing its longtime director and board with loyalists, and pledging to overhaul its programming to remove what he deems as "woke" content. This move has sparked controversy among artists and performers, who have boycotted or canceled appearances at the center since Trump took office. The president's attendance is seen as a significant shift in his approach to the arts, following years of avoiding the Kennedy Center due to industry pushback on his policies.
https://www.koat.com/article/trump-attend-les-miserables-kennedy-center/65036733A recent article in The Sydney Morning Herald suggests that homeowners may be experiencing emotional distress due to the aesthetic appeal of their homes. According to the article, interior designer and architect, Kelly Wearstler, believes that a home's design can significantly impact its occupants' mood and overall well-being. She cites examples of homes with unappealing or outdated decor, which can lead to feelings of sadness and discomfort. Wearstler recommends incorporating elements of nature, such as plants and natural materials, into home design to create a more uplifting atmosphere.
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/is-your-house-making-you-sad-this-guide-to-anti-depressive-living-will-help-20250606-p5m5hg.htmlThe Louvre Museum has increased its entry fee from €22 to €30 following a leaked letter by director Laurence des Cars, which exposed structural issues that threaten the museum's priceless collections. The leak sparked public outrage and international attention, prompting Italy to jokingly offer to host the Mona Lisa. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron announced an ambitious restoration plan with estimated costs of around $1 billion.
https://observer.com/2025/06/louvre-and-french-museums-raising-admissions-fees/Chris Stapleton is set to perform at various venues this summer, including Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on June 12 and 13, as well as the Healing Appalachia Festival in Kentucky, Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, and Boots on the Bayou in Gonzales, Louisiana.
https://www.mlive.com/live-entertainment/2025/06/tickets-in-high-demand-for-chris-stapleton-2025-tour-coming-to-van-andel-this-week.htmlThe city of Sofia is set to host two consecutive days of an art festival called "Scene Imagination" as part of the summer program organized by the Dimitar Elenov Foundation. The event will take place on June 14 at Geo Milev Park and on June 15 at Slaveykov Square in front of the Sofia Library, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival promises a diverse lineup featuring music, short theater performances, workshops, open mic sessions for talented audience members, art with social causes, and more surprises.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/kultura-art/977401-festival-scene-imagination-in-sofia-on-june-14-and-15