New Boss Will Soon Feature IMG Artists In "Lifestyle Festivals"

Mr. Inzerillo with his wife, Prudence, at the
New York City Opera Gala in 2008.

"IMG Artists, a major representative of classical musicians, on Wednesday named a hotel and resort company executive, Jerry Inzerillo, as its new president and chief executive. Mr. Inzerillo comes to IMG from the Kerzner International Group, where he is president of the Kerzner Entertainment Group and responsible for 'building brand awareness' among 'celebrities, VIPs and the entertainment world' and organizing opening extravaganzas, according to the Kerzner Web site. He has also been president of the company that became Ian Schrager Hotels. IMG said that Mr. Inzerillo arrives as part of the agency’s effort to expand beyond managing artists, including arranging cultural events and 'lifestyle festivals,' advising governments on how to raise the profile of cultural offerings and helping run performing arts centers. IMG’s clients include Joshua Bell, Leif Ove Andsnes, Renée Fleming and Ben Heppner, according to its Web site. The previous IMG president, Jeff Fuhrman, will remain as an adviser, IMG said." [Source]

Heldentenor Ben Heppner Canadian Recital Tour

(Photo: Sebastian Hänel/Deutsche Grammophon)

"Recognized as the finest dramatic tenor before the public today, Canada's Ben Heppner takes a break between operas in Germany and France for an Atlantic Canadian solo recital tour in February. Heppner brings his demanding repertoire, which ranges from Wagner, Verdi and Berlioz, to Saint John's Imperial Theatre on Feb. 20 and Fredericton's Playhouse on Feb. 22. Heppner will perform several folk songs arranged by Benjamin Britten including 'The Salley Gardens,' 'The Plough Boy' and 'The Foggy Foggy Dew'; songs of Northern European composers including Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Grieg; opera arias by Wagner, Giordano and Puccini (including 'Nessun dorma'); as well as several parlour songs." [Source]