Classical Notes: Paris ballet dances into a diversity storm

Paris Opera’s overhaul of its recruitment processes has witnessed a culture war in France

Paris Opera’s ballet: instead of waiting for talented artists to approach it for employment, the company intends to send recruiters into the world and employ those it wants

There has always been a link between culture and power in France, dating back to the time when composer Jean Baptiste Lully was virtually the personal owner of the entire French music business during the reign of Louis XIV.

Lully pleased the roi-soleil because Louis liked to do a spot of ballet dancing himself. When Lully died after contracting gangrene -- he accidentally pierced his big toe with his baton while conducting an orchestra – ...