This time it's Charles Dutoit.

Time has an article here.

Alabama-based composer Joseph Landers is composing an opera based on James Agee's famous book, "Now Let Us Praise Famous Men".  The opera is being composed for the Alabama Bicentennial.  Opera Birmingham will present the work once it's completed, but in the meantime are conducting open to the public workshops which will allow those in attendance to learn about the opera as it is in progress, and to hear selections from the opera as well.

One such workshop will be tomorrow evening, December 16, at Hulsey Recital hall on the campus of the University of Alabama Birmingham.  The following is from a press release about that event:

"Mr. Landers' opera Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, based on the book by James Agee, is being written to celebrate the Alabama bicentennial. This event is the culmination of our second workshop of the opera and will include conversation with Mr. Landers about the creation of the opera, and a performance of selected arias from the new work. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the creation of a new work from its beginning, with the chance for the audience to ask questions as well."

To this writer's knowledge, a premiere date has not been set for the completed work.

Digital--or as it's typically referred to in America, HD radio--has been a significant topic among broadcasters for a decade or more.  Many American stations operate HD channels, but few people listen due to the lack of availability of compatible receivers. 

Norway is now forcing the issue by shutting down FM for it's national channels in favor of digital.  Local stations will still broadcast FM signals, but the development is one that many people will be watching.

An article on what they're doing can be found here.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has launched a new program, the LA Phil Resident Fellowship. They describe it as follows:

"The fellowship is an excellence-based training program for superb early-career symphonic musicians representing or serving historically underrepresented populations. Its goal is to prepare these musicians to compete for, and win, positions in major professional orchestras."

Up to five resident fellows will be selected each year. They will be with the orchestra for three years, receiving salary and benefits during that time.

You can learn more about the program and how to apply here.

Famed conductor James Levine, dogged for years about allegations regarding his sexual conduct, has now been suspended by the MET Orchestra. A law firm has been brought in to investigate the charges.

An article detailing the allegations can be found here.