Conductor Jaap van Zweden is getting a proclamation from Mayor Rawlings this week — while financially, the DSO has shifted from staving off insolvency to trying to retire its multi-million dollar deficit.

Conservative Christians are forcing the interrogation of a freethinker. It’s 1656 in Amsterdam. And the fate of the city’s entire Jewish population is at stake. Did we mention that David Ives’ New Jerusalem can be pretty funny?

The devoted fans of Lonesome Dove and Last Picture Show may not know it, but author Larry McMurtry has been a terrific essay-writer and reviewer. They certainly wouldn’t know it from his latest gig.

There are only three operas this time — two classics and the revival of one of the DO’s world premieres. Plus, the return of baritone Nathan Gunn and the Dallas debut of mezzo Susan Graham.

Both sides of the metroplex are generating new operas — but in different ways. And the big beneficiary has been Jake Heggie, composer of Moby-Dick.

Interesting new work to check out – a photo book from architect Leonard Volk; an opening at Kristy Stubbs Gallery tonight.

The deal so nice we’re doing it twice. If you missed out on Flatlanders tickets in last week’s Big Deal, you have another opportunity, thanks to the Granada Theater.

Remember Mark Nerenhausen? He used to run the AT&T Performing Arts Center — then he was gone.

Composer Jake Heggie continues his long-running ties to North Texas — and this time, he’s bringing renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato with him.

We’re starting a new weekly feature to spotlight family-friendly events. Up first: Come join the Children’s Center at the downtown Dallas Public Library as they host a special event to celebrate Charles Dickens’ 200 birthday!