Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Cancels Performances Following Decision by Government of Norway

(Credit: https://www.highresaudio.com/) The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra has canceled all performances until at least Jan. 13, 2022. Among the canceled performances is Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” that was supposed to star soprano Beate Mordal, mezzo-soprano Marianne Beate Kielland, tenor Fabio Trümpy, and baritone Sebastian Noack alongside conductor Jan Willem de Vriend. The Bergen Philharmonic has shut down following the decision of the {…}

German Stage Association Calls For Clear Commitment to Culture; Intendants Chime In

(Credits: © Semperoper Dresden/Ludwig Olah / © www.christianthiel.net) The German Stage Association has called for a consistent approach and a clear commitment to culture from the federal, state and local authorities. “We observe with concern,” the association said in a press release, “that the amended Infection Protection Act seems to offer the federal states expanded scope for action almost exclusively {…}

German Constitutional Court Declares Lockdown Legal, German Federal States Announce New COVID-19 measures

(Credit: dpa) The German Constitutional Court has rejected motions that challenged the German Federal Emergency Brake in April 2021, and subsequently declared a state of lockdown as a legal instrument to fight COVID-19. Following the decision by the Court, Prime Ministers of German federal states have agreed to bring further restrictive measures in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. {…}

Switzerland Orders Mandatory Quarantine For All Arrivals From Omicron-Stricken Countries

(Credit: zuerich.com) The government of Switzerland has announced urgent new measures in order to combat the new Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. All persons (children included) coming from the countries where the Omicron has been detected will have to present a negative PCR test upon arrival and subsequently undergo mandatory 10-day quarantine regardless of the vaccination status. Additionally, a PCR or rapid {…}