Asia Poised to Save Classical Music...

...and, in so doing, save an important part of our (i.e.western) civilisation.

About twenty (20) million people in China are studying the piano; about ten (10) million are studying the violin. What we call classical music in the West is becoming increasingly popular...

Let us all hope this continues, to cover up and make up for the lamentable dearth of interest and musical education in youth closer to home... Maestro Maazel is reported to have said something along the lines of, "China will be the future of our classical music".

He is also reported to have said along the lines of, "orchestra musicians in the future will be predominantly female", as more than 70% of the students in conservatories are women.

Amen for both: a) because music may live on, b) we will continue to have concerts accessible to most.

Terrorism rears its ugly head.. again? Let's hope it's all just hot air..

Yutube clips clips showed scenes of anti-Greek rallies in Albania & Kossovo (or what is purported to be either) with singing suggesting invasive action by said, alleged Albanians. If confirmed, in any area of the world this would constitute clear terrorist threat.

There is nothing mystical or cryptic about the message, nor is there any base for political expediency and speculation or half-baked justification for questionable action. It is clear, unadulterated, racially motivated terrorism.

Let us hope the threats are bogus; and that someone does something about it.