Year: 2009

Controversial Austrian sculptor Alfred Hrdlicka, whose works criticised war and fascism, has died at the age of 81. Full published article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8399376.stm

British screen stars, including Jude Law, Helen Mirren and Rachel Weisz, will battle it out for acting gongs at next year’s What’s On Stage awards. Full published article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8394989.stm

Smartphone symphony: a group of US students have built music applications and written scores for their iPhones. Full published article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/technology/8394148.stm

Conductor James Levine returns to New York’s Metropolitan Opera following a two-month lay-off to recover from back surgery. Full published article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8396030.stm

Two of France’s top attractions – the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles – are closed by a civil service strike. Full published article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8393481.stm

A previously unrecorded portrait by Old Master Sir Peter Paul Rubens could fetch £6m when it is auctioned later this month. Full published article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8395807.stm

Hidden by grime and soot – the 400-year-old paintings restored to their original glory. Full published article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/8376263.stm