How to talk to someone who hates a piece of creative work “That’s not music!” A friend told me recently that her teenager had responded with this pithy phrase, when hearing a piece of contemporary classical music. It wasn’t familiar, it wasn’t “cool”, so the kid just disregarded it, and wanted it turned off. She … Read more
This article from Ireland actually made me laugh out loud: Click here. (And do read the lot. Even if you disagree with me, it will get your brain moving.) Our regular readers have seen me respond to other examples of the “classical is dead” harangue, particularly the ongoing diatribes that are so often rooted in … Read more
(or perhaps the canary in the mine?) Hi, tenor Nathan Granner here. I’ve been singing opera and classical music professionally for over 25 years and producing live shows, tours, recording albums for around 15 years. I’ve seen a lot in my day! Here are some of my thoughts. I’ve been so crazy these past months … Read more
LA Weekly’s annual “Best of” issue features one of classical’s local treasures this year, as Jacaranda has been named “Best Contemporary Classical Series” for 2016. This series of “awards” has been criticized over the years for capricious and overly narrow categories (“Best Commuter Eye Candy“?) and for being unduly influenced by grassroots campaigns and other … Read more
Big kudos today for one of LA finest contemporary music endeavors! Hear Now Music Festival, an annual weekend of concerts featuring wonders of innovation and top-notch performers from SoCal and beyond. This year’s festival was their biggest yet, and there is clearly much to look forward to, with this infusion of cash from the National … Read more
Behind a tongue-twisting title lies the dramatic story of a Portuguese diplomat who saved many thousands of refugees from the horrors of World War II, all with the power of his pen. Aristides de Sousa Mendes (pictured) fast-tracked more than 30,000 visas in mere months during 1940. He was later tried in his own country for … Read more
