Classical music excellence, the passing of an eclectic guitarist, a reimagined theatrical production, visa challenges for touring artists, innovation in dance footwear, and musician activism against government actions are the key developments in live performance and music.

• How the Cleveland Orchestra Stays at the Top of Classical Music — New York Times Arts -
• Ralph Towner, Eclectic Guitarist With the Ensemble Oregon, Dies at 85 — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Masquerade’ Reimagined ‘Phantom,’ and the Fans Are Flocking — New York Times Arts -

• ‘An Unbelievable Mess’: Artists Are Stymied by Trump Travel Bans — New York Times Arts -
• How a Shoe Invented by a Dancer Might Be a Game Changer — New York Times Arts -
• Springsteen Denounces ICE Deployments and Renee Good’s Killing — New York Times Arts -

**New reviews for 'Crux,' 'Half His Age,' 'Nothing Random,' and 'Departure(s)' highlight recent literary releases, alongside C. Thi Nguyen's exploration of a gamified world** in his latest book.

• Book Review: ‘Crux,’ by Gabriel Tallent — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Half His Age,’ by Jennette McCurdy — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘Nothing Random,’ by Gayle Feldman — New York Times Books -

• Book Review: ‘Departure(s),’ by Julian Barnes — New York Times Books -
• C. Thi Nguyen Explains Our Gamified World in His New Book, ‘The Score’ — New York Times Books -

Recommendations for streaming gems, new movies reviewed by critics, and upcoming TV shows like 'Finding Her Edge' and 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' keep viewers informed about the latest on screens large and small.

• ‘Roofman,’ ‘While We’re Young’ and More Streaming Gems — New York Times Arts -
• 8 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Finding Her Edge,’ Plus 8 Things to Watch on TV This Week — New York Times Arts -

• ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 1 Premiere Recap: A Tall Tale — New York Times Arts -

Significant grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities are being directed towards programs focused on Western Civilization, signaling a conservative influence on academic funding.

• Humanities Endowment Awarding Millions to Western Civilization Programs — New York Times Arts -