Music Leadership: Minnesota Orchestra CEO Isaac Thompson talks first-year plans to broaden access to classical music. Community & Local Culture: Seattle outdoor retailer evo marks 25 years with a week of film, live music and community events culminating Oct. 3. Live Music Calendar: Georgia Southern Symphony kicks off its 2026 season with a free Oct. 4 concert featuring the Elaris Duo and works including Vivaldi and Ravel. State Support for Artists: Kentucky creates a Governor’s Office of Music to back artists, venues and festivals, plus a new Kentucky Music Industry Directory. Publishing & Deals: Cooking Vinyl Publishing signs Jaz Coleman (Killing Joke) for worldwide publishing with Believe. Talent Development: Chrysalis Records and Blue Raincoat appoint Steve Lamacq as curator for new music and talent. Streaming-Era Debate: Songwriter Johnny McDaid weighs hitmaking, the algorithm and the streaming age at BMI London Awards. Industry Moves: Avex buys 85% of S10 Entertainment to expand its global music business. Big-Name Performance: Elton John opens London’s Apple Music Hall with an intimate, streamed set. Orchestras in Trouble: Nashville Symphony suspends its 2026-27 season and furloughs staff amid a financial emergency. Global Reach for Classical: San Diego Symphony launches Beyond Borders with free joint concerts featuring Rafael Payare and the Montreal Symphony. Fan-Funded Education: Phish fans launch a Vermont music scholarship funded in perpetuity via the Mockingbird Foundation. Jazz Spotlight: Bad Saints Jazz Festival debuts in Lancaster with 17 bands across three stages.