In the Arts: Gardner Expansion Approved, Lyric Opera Stays in Black
May 21, 2009 | Read Time: 1 minute
The trustees of Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum voted this week to proceed with a controversial addition that will necessitate the demolition of a century-old carriage house, reports The Boston Globe.
Museum officials say the new building, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, is needed to relieve pressure on the existing edifice, which opened in 1903. Opponents maintain that the carriage house, erected by Ms. Gardner four years later, was integral to her vision for the institution.
In other arts news, the Chicago Tribune reports that the Lyric Opera of Chicago posted a slight surplus for the 2008-9 season, in contrast to the deficits faced by other big-city operas. But the group is cutting spending in anticipation of rougher financial seas next season.
Also, the Phoenix Symphony’s musicians and staff members have agreed to a 17-percent pay cut over the next three years, reports The Arizona Republic. The $2-million savings will allow the organization to maintain a full-time orchestra.
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