Mozart Beats Beethoven for Boosting Memory: Researchers at the Sapienza University of Rome recently published a study in the journal Consciousness and Cognition displaying results that listening to Mozart’s “L’allegro con spirito” from K448 boosts brain activity linked to IQ, memory, and cognition. Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” failed to do the same–evidence, the researchers claim, that the effects are composer-specific and not simply a consequence of music listening in general. Though certainly happy for a scientific acknowledgement of the benefits of listening to classical music, Beethoven fans may be asking if the composer would have chosen the somewhat simplistic (and dare we say overhyped) “Fur Elise” to represent his music in the study.

A Prescription for Tango: Several hospitals in Buenos Aires are offering tango lessons to patients suffering mental illnesses from depression to Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s. Studies have confirmed that over time learning the Argentine tango improves the mobility, balance, and spirit of individuals both mentally handicapped and healthy. Daniel Tarsy, director of the Parkinson’s Center in Boston, argues, “When you hear music, it sort of drives the emotional parts of the brain,” allowing for the override of damaged brain cells and the achievement of greater ease of movement. Students of these tango programs–which are meant to slow the progress of mental ailments rather than provide a cure–testify to the physical, emotional, and social benefits of the classes, proving once more the benefit of the arts for body and soul.

A Different Breed of Anti-Terrorism: Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra conductor Karim Wasfi has stepped outside his usual role and into the streets of Baghdad, using his skills as a cellist to play music at the sites of suicide bombings around the city. Originally inspired by an attack killing and wounding over twenty people, Wasfi fights violence and destruction with peace and beauty, saying he “…chose to turn every corner of Iraq into a spot for civility, beauty, and compassion,” and showing the world that guns and counter-violence are not the only ways to send a message of resistance.

Broadway’s Best Year: With the closing of the 2014-2015 season at the end of May, the Broadway League announced record-breaking numbers on several fronts: $1.37 billion in sales from attendance of over 13 million (up 7.3 percent from the previous year, and 13 percent from the year before that). This staggering attendance statistic surpasses New York and New Jersey sporting events attendance by 2.6 million tickets sold. A truly impressive year for the Great White Way!