To all of my fellow classical music girlies: it’s time. Editor’s note: mentions of death, violence.

Happening in the World: US-manufactured weapons are fueling the fire that is the ongoing violence in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, following the resignation of their Prime Minister. Residents of Port-Au-Prince, the country’s capital, are quickly fleeing the city as gangs continue to take immense power. These gangs, which are estimated to control about 80% of the city, have been trafficking weapons from the US, though last year the State Department stated that it intended to remedy this issue with increased policing. Now, the issue persists as the Haitian government struggles to establish a transitional council in the wake of the prime minister’s resignation. (BBC)

Happening in the US: Joseph I. Lieberman has died at age 82. Lieberman was most well known for his service as a Connecticut senator and as Al Gore’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2000 election. He attempted to participate in the following election in 2004 as a presidential candidate, but withdrew due to lack of support. Generally, Lieberman identified as an independent, though serving as a Democrat in the Senate, and was the first Jewish candidate on a major-party ticket.  (NYT)

Happening in New York City: The MTA has finally reached final approval for its proposal for congestion pricing in Manhattan. The pricing will primarily take the form of a $15 toll charged to anyone entering the borough south of 60th Street, though some school buses and other municipal vehicles will be exempt. Representatives of the taxi cab industry have expressed disagreement with the passage of this proposal, citing the potential damage these expenses will cause to taxi workers. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey has indicated a similar dissatisfaction with the decision, stating that “[New Jersey] will continue to avail ourselves of every option in order to protect residents on this side of the Hudson from an unfair tolling scheme that discriminates against New Jerseyans, especially lower and middle-income drivers.” (The Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Columbia University’s Miller Theatre presents the Bach Collection, a presentation of two of the composer’s most well known works: his Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 and Vergnügte Ruh’, beliebte Seelenlust. For all of the classical music lovers out there, this concert starts at 8:00 pm at Miller Theatre at 2960 Broadway. More details can be found on the concert’s Columbia events page.

Music via Bwarchives