by the El Reportero‘s news services
More than 1,500 British musicians asked the Government of the United Kingdom for assistance on Thursday to save the industry of live concerts, after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on that sector.
In an open letter to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, former Beatles Paul McCartney, former Oasis Liam Gallaher, singer Dua Lipa, and the bands Rolling Stones, Coldplay and Take That, among others, warned that live music is on the brink of bankruptcy, due to the suspension of festivals and concerts.
‘With no end to social distancing in sight or financial support from government yet agreed, the future for concerts and festivals and the hundreds of thousands of people who work in them looks bleak,’ they said in the letter.
The text, which was also signed by guitarist Eric Clapton and singer Ed Sheeran, calls on Dowden to deliver a three-point strategy for the restarting of the live music sector: a clear, conditional timeline for reopening venues without social distancing, and VAT exemption on ticket sales.
In a first reaction on Twitter, the culture secretary assured that he was pushing hard for these dates and to give a clear roadmap back to reopen live concerts.
He warned that it involves very difficult decisions about the future of social distancing, which we know has saved lives.
Cirque du Soleil files bankruptcy
OTTAWA – Cirque du Soleil, one of the most renowned circus in the world, filed bankruptcy, due to the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, Canadian media reported on Tuesday.
The members of the company, known for their acrobatic shows, announced the layoffs of more than 3,000 people before being restructured, for which it counts on two funds of 17 million euros each to compensate the staff and contractors.
The Montreal-based company confirmed a debt of 800 million euros and blamed it on the global health crisis for the interruption and forced closure of shows as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it said in an official communiqué.
Cirque du Soleil has been a very successful and profitable organization for 36 years; however, we have acted decisively to protect the future of the company due to the lack of income since the forced closure, President Daniel Lamarre said.
The circus, which operated more than 40 shows worldwide, will allow clients to keep their tickets for future shows, while rescue plans are put in place with the participation of the investors from Canada, China and the United States.
Cuban renowned vedette Rosita Fornes passes away at 97s
MIAMi – Born in New York, but one hundred percent Cuban, Rosita Fornés, the renowned vedette and 2001 National Theater Award on her island, died at dawn today, at the age of 97.
Considered the queen of performing art in the island, Fornes held high distinctions and recognitions, in and outside the country, due to her masterful performance on stage, which will always keep her in the memory of audience.
On its Facebook account, the Ministry of Culture extends its condolences to relatives, friends and followers, which she conquered around the world, while the artist’s page announces she passed away at 4:07 local time.
‘Our dear Rosita died after long illness, surrounded by love and without suffering’, the statement says.
Undoubtedly, with the death of Fornes, Cuba lost one of its most famous divas, versatile actress, singer and dancer, who also conquered the audience on stages in Mexico and Spain.
