AGP Executive Report

New Releases: Golda Zahra drops her debut EP My Name Is Golda, a crossover set of Puccini, Gounod and Verdi arias produced with Steven Mercurio and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Pop Spotlight: Olivia Rodrigo returns with “The Cure,” calling it the “thesis statement” for her upcoming album. Chart Moment: Madonna’s “I Feel So Free” rockets to No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, her first radio topper in 18 years. Live & Local: Fort Wayne’s City Council starts the TIF process for a City Theater redevelopment, while Syosset students stage “Noise & Nostalgia” to fund mental-health advocacy. Opera With a Twist: Glyndebourne’s Tosca moves Act II into a restaurant setting, turning fascist cruelty into dinner-table spectacle. Industry Tension: Fender faces a boycott after pursuing legal action over “S-style” Stratocaster design copying. Loss & Legacy: LA jazz trombonist Ryan Porter dies at 46 after a severe crash.

Wharfedale Festival Spotlight: Ilkley’s Wharfedale Festival is set to welcome young pianist Tamila Salimdjanova for a recital built around Schubert’s Impromptus Op. 90 and Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze Op. 6, continuing the Waterman legacy that gives emerging players a stage. Courtroom Culture Clash: In Australia, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra faces scrutiny in Jayson Gillham’s unfair dismissal case, with testimony alleging the orchestra board was misled over a concert cancellation tied to Gillham’s Gaza-related remarks. Late-Night Shockwave: Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show ends with a star-studded finale featuring Paul McCartney, as CBS’s cancellation decision reshapes the late-night landscape. Community Music Momentum: La Crosse, Wisconsin launches a free Sunday Market at Cameron Park on May 31 with live music, local vendors, and a kids zone—another reminder that music thrives where communities gather. Global Stage Energy: Costa Rica hosts WGI Latin America 2026 this weekend, bringing elite color guard, percussion, and winds ensembles to Heredia.

CIIS Leadership Change: Professor Meg Jordan is retiring after 17 years rebuilding Integrative Health Studies into a career-ready, nationally known program—24 new courses, new faculty, and a full professional pipeline. Spelling Bee Spotlight: Michigan will send nine spellers to the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, with names ranked 104–112 and bios highlighting music-loving, robotics-winning, and repeat-bee competitors. Local Arts + Community Grants: Spokane’s Indigenous Eats just won a $20,000 American Express/Main Street America grant to expand Native Trivia Nights and other cultural events. Cannes Culture Watch: At Cannes, the Orient Express Corinthian is turning film-festival glamour into a floating “world-building” luxury universe, while fashion coverage keeps fixating on the red-carpet nudity debate. Big Pop Tease: Olivia Rodrigo confirms her next single, “The Cure,” and fans are already speculating about Robert Smith’s influence. Classical Calendar: Music Guild at St. Matthew’s closes its season May 29 with Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, featuring YuEun Gemma Kim.

Free Live Music Returns: Tŷ Pawb in Wrexham is bringing back free lunchtime concerts this spring and summer, running 1–2pm on selected Wednesdays from May to July, with classical and contemporary sets from artists including Pendine Young Musician of Wales winner Heledd Newton, North Wales Opera Studio, Ensemble Cymru, and a solo cello performance by Rebekah Clarke. Community Milestones: Freeman Academy in the US marked its final graduation after more than 120 years, with seniors from multiple countries celebrating what they gained before the school closed. Pop Gossip, Unverified: Fresh online chatter claims Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter are “enemies” over a “protégé rivalry,” but credible reporting doesn’t back it up. Bach on the Calendar: Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville is set for a complete Bach Cantata performance (BWV 78) with Bach Vespers and additional orchestral/organ music on May 31. Music & Screen: The “Ghost in the Shell” anime is officially headed to Amazon Prime Video in July 2026, with new visuals and story details released.

Awards & Ideas: The Bradley Foundation’s 2026 prize ceremony put faith, free markets, and classical education onstage with Sen. Phil Gramm, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, and Prof. James Hankins trading personal stories about “American exceptionalism.” Summer Music Calendar: Big-name touring energy is building fast—Muzika! Festival returns for its 5th South Carolina season in June, while local listings spotlight everything from Tina Turner tribute nights to major outdoor series like Bend’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater stacking 50 shows. New Releases: Chike drops the vulnerable “Pity My Soul,” and Obedeia teases its concept-album rollout with “merry-go-round.” Global Notes: Netflix confirms Part 2 of “One Hundred Years of Solitude” lands Aug. 5 (with a finale Aug. 26), and Air Canada adds seasonal nonstop Toronto–Mérida starting Nov. 21. Community & Craft: Arts for Learning opens its doors for a June 27 open house, and a Tongass School of Arts and Sciences group tests new Rotary Beach cleanup stations.

Bollywood Fallout: Composer Amaal Malik says “powerful people” removed him from 60 film projects, threatening his family and claiming he turned down 20 more because the setups weren’t for him. Classical Courtroom Drama: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra board member Martin Foley urged reinstating pianist Jayson Gillham after “reputation-shredding” fallout over onstage Gaza comments, with the case now headed through Federal Court. Musical Theatre Goes Global: Alicia Keys’ Broadway hit “Hell’s Kitchen” lands in Korea as a Korean-language licensed production opening July 24, with Keys deeply involved in casting and vocal shaping. Community Culture Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo hosts National Culture Month celebrations tomorrow at Barbourfields Stadium with President Mnangagwa presiding, featuring dance, music, comedy, and a 120+ artist showcase. Afro-House News: Nigerian singer Niniola Apata announces the death of her husband, Michael Ndika, with no further details shared. Electronic Music Business: Fuga renews and expands its distribution partnership with Insomniac Music Group, extending global release support and marketing.

Memorial Day Music & 250th Moments: In St. Louis, the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is hosting a free Memorial Day observance Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m., with a wreath-laying ceremony and musical tributes including the National Anthem and “God Bless America,” plus a banner show tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Philadelphia Orchestra Update: Wynton Marsalis’s new symphony premiere in Philly has been postponed, with the orchestra and Marsalis saying more time is needed for the long-term life of the work. Local Scene Buzz: Philly’s week is packed with music events—Bob Dylan birthday celebrations, Kurt Vile listening parties, and more—while Denver gets a post-punk nostalgia hit with Echo & the Bunnymen on May 22. Arts in Motion: Yale Rep’s student-invited production of a.k. payne’s “Furlough’s Paradise” continues to draw attention for its physical, musical storytelling. Community Spotlight: McNary High School wins the 6A state band championship, capping months of work for its wind ensemble.

Retail Experience Remix: Fragrance brands are redesigning stores around emotion, meaning, and personalized service—using “Return on Experience” metrics that track attention and engagement, not just sales. Music & Community Spotlight: Te Tuhi in Auckland opens six new exhibitions on May 24, while Eudlo’s Festival of Small Halls returns May 24 with intimate, world-class performances in heritage halls. Big Stage, Big News: Tash Sultana signs a first global label partnership with BMG. Courtroom Clash: A Melbourne pianist’s Palestine comments are at the center of a Federal Court trial over whether political speech can cost a gig. Local Culture Under Pressure: Watertown’s song ban sparked a rally and a composer-led response. Global Festival Buzz: Corona Capital 2026 in Mexico City announces Gorillaz, The Strokes, and Twenty One Pilots as headliners.

Courtroom Pop: Spain’s court ordered a refund of more than €55M to Shakira after ruling tax authorities couldn’t prove she met the “resident” day-count for 2011—she calls it a long-fought “record straight” moment. Community Gigs: Memorial Day gets a free, 70-piece Athens Classic City Band concert in Jefferson (May 26). Festival Buzz: Big Ears in Knoxville kicks off with Paste’s “On The Road” session featuring Gregory Uhlmann, spotlighting his layered, ambient-leaning guitar world. Music Therapy: A dementia-focused sing-along in Port Chester uses familiar songs to spark conversation and connection, not just background comfort. Tech Meets Voice: Musicful released its v3.0 AI model adding reusable, personalized voice profiles for generating vocals across tracks. Pop Culture Watch: Paris Jackson shared ultrasound results after online neck concerns; she says tests came back normal. Local Classical: Yakima Symphony launches a Beethoven chamber series across libraries and wineries. Big Stage News: Roger Daltrey announces a solo show in Santa Barbara (Sept 1).

Courtroom Clash Over Gaza Music: Melbourne pianist Jayson Gillham’s discrimination trial against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is underway, with the court hearing he worried management would block a piece dedicated to journalists killed in Gaza—and that the MSO says he misled them about his political comments. Late-Night Arts + Club Energy: MASS MoCA’s Art Futures Benefit runs into an outdoor DJ-and-projection after party, turning contemporary art into a dance-floor moment. Ancient Wonder, Modern Curiosity: China’s Sanxingdui show up as a reminder that “mutual connectivity” can be felt across time, not just tech. Festival Focus: Baku Contemporary Music Days returns May 18–24 with local and international contemporary ensembles, lectures, and public sessions. Big Stage, Smaller Orchestra: Australia’s Lion King is back with reduced strings, replaced by tech—sparking fresh worries about musicians disappearing from major productions. Pop Culture Pulse: Eurovision 2026 goes Bulgaria’s way, but the finish is still shadowed by boos and geopolitical tension.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria’s Dara just won Eurovision 2026 with “Bangaranga,” turning a long-odds moment into a continent-wide victory—then backing it with high-impact choreography and a Y2K fashion-forward final. Pop Power, Live: Harry Styles kicked off his Together, Together tour in Amsterdam to a sold-out roar, stacking new “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” cuts with fan favorites. Courtroom Clash: In Australia, pianist Jayson Gillham’s discrimination case against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is set for Federal Court, after a Gaza-related performance controversy. Music Meets Justice: In Memphis, the man who pleaded guilty in the Young Dolph killing was sentenced to 20 years for the $100K ambush that rattled the city. Arts & Community: Public media in Colorado is scrambling after federal funding cuts, leaning into mergers and new facilities to keep stations alive. Classical Spotlight: Auckland Philharmonia’s Mozart night had star turns from James Ehnes and conductor Samy Rachid.

Eurovision Aftershock: Bulgaria just pulled off a historic upset in Vienna—DARA’s “Bangaranga” won Eurovision 2026, topping both jury and televote in a night packed with political tension and huge staging. Local Stages, Big Wins: In the UK, Wilmslow Preparatory School cleaned up at the Alderley Edge Festival, racking up top placements in speech, drama, and music, with two pupils invited to perform at the gala finale. Community Music in Motion: Tulsa’s Guthrie Green hosted Money Chicha, blending cumbia, Latin funk, and psychedelic rock with members from Grupo Fantasma. Culture as Glue: In Malaysia, Bintulu’s “Niti Daun” Gawai Dayak parade drew 73 contingents and 5,000+ participants, spotlighting Dayak heritage through traditional attire, music, and performances. AI vs Radio Reality: A new study finds AI radio hosts still struggle to run convincing stations—so the human voice isn’t going anywhere fast.

Legal Spotlight: Dua Lipa has filed a $15M lawsuit against Samsung, claiming the tech giant used her image on TV packaging in the U.S. without permission—allegedly implying she endorsed the products and continuing even after she demanded it stop. Community Arts: Ashland Fringe Festival is in full swing at Lithia Park with free immersive performances, pop-ups, and dance/music experiences running through Sunday. Classical on the Move: KONTRAPUNKTUS is bringing an Italian-themed baroque program to Laguna Beach Presbyterian Church on June 20, leaning into “With Fire” style works by Vivaldi and others. Music & Theatre Buzz: Sam Ryder drops a fresh “Gethsemane” recording ahead of his West End debut in Jesus Christ Superstar. Global Stage Politics: Thousands protested in Vienna against Israel’s Eurovision participation just before the Grand Final. Local Music Milestone: The Red Deer Chamber Singers mark 50 years with a May 24 anniversary concert.

Eurovision 2026: The 70th final is tonight in Vienna, with Austria’s Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski hosting the live show, while Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon handle BBC coverage and Tia Kofi leads backstage/digital for the big night. Music Education Wins: NAMM Foundation named Altoona Area and Hollidaysburg Area among 2026’s best communities for music education, spotlighting how district support turns classroom music into community pride. Arts Under Pressure: RTÉ’s payments scandal sequel is escalating tensions as officials move toward new scrutiny and pay-related questions. Local Music, Real Impact: In Idaho, students are rallying around music teacher Katie Krumdieck after a fire destroyed her home—turning a personal loss into a community chorus. Genre Watch: Trinidad-and-beyond style energy is also in focus with NA PA’s Jazz Fusion 2026 revamp, as the program gets a “fix it” push ahead of its May 31 production.

Festival Pulse: Santa Fe’s summer 2026 calendar is taking shape, with the Children’s Pet Parade (Desafile de Los Niños) leading the feel-good charge at Fiesta de Santa Fe—plus more literary and garden-friendly events like the Santa Fe International Literary Festival and “A Book Talk in the Garden.” Local Arts & Education: Sterling College wrapped another arts-heavy year, honoring students across art, music, theatre, and communication—while Watertown, Wisconsin, saw a student walkout after a school board removed an LGBTQ+ tribute song from a band concert. Classics With a Twist: A Greater Philadelphia Gamer Symphony Orchestra is set to close its season with “Rainbow Road” and other video-game favorites. Big-Stage Drama: The Met Opera’s Frida Kahlo-themed opera “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego” is getting major buzz ahead of its premiere. Pop Culture Shockwave: Drake’s triple-album drop—“Iceman,” “Habibti,” and “Maid of Honour”—lit up Toronto with a CN Tower light spectacle.

Global Politics: Trump has left China after touting “fantastic trade deals” and claiming alignment with Xi on Iran, with Taiwan warnings still hanging over the summit. Cultural Resilience: In Cuba, a veteran choreographer says the arts are getting squeezed by blackouts, costs, and venue closures—yet he’s shifting to workshops to keep dance alive. Mentorship on Stage: In Beijing, violinist Ning Feng and mentor Antje Weithaas turned teacher-student dialogue into a live highlight, with cross-generational chemistry front and center. Festival Lights: Vivid Sydney returns May 22–June 13, flooding the harbour with projections, music, and immersive art. New Music Buzz: ONARA drops “SHARPSHOOTER,” pushing a fast, bass-heavy riddim direction. Local Spotlight: A Winchester flashmob fundraiser is gearing up for its August showcase—proof pop-up performances still move communities. Arts & Identity: Patti Smith Quartet brings music and spoken word to Athens’ Lycabettus Theater on May 15.