Marc van Bree
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The big applause issue
Drew McManus has scratched open a wound that will unfortunately never really heal I’m afraid: applauding during movements. He originally wrote an article for the Partial Observer, in which he explains how he is turned off by the applause regulations at classical music concerts and by the general pretentiousness of the industry. The discussion on…
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The Story Factor
I have just finished Annette Simmons’ book The Story Factor. The book is a guide and sort of a how-to on influencing through storytelling. Although it was an easy and fairly short read, it took me a long time to finish the book. A couple of months to be honest. This is not a criticism…
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Appreciating music by making a connection
As this month is Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), I decided to look back again on my trip to Mexico last July. Since coming back from Mexico, I have taken much more interest in Mexican culture, and music in particular. With its vibrant Mexican community, Chicago has much to offer in Mexican music. In…
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Talking cultural advocacy with Yo-Yo Ma
This morning I met Yo-Yo Ma again and not only does he remain one of the nicest people I have ever met, he articulated some of the most interesting thoughts about culture and multiculturalism in an interview I witnessed. You can hear pieces of the interview this Saturday, August 12, from 8:00 to 12:00 noon…
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History made
That’s it. An era ended last Saturday night. Daniel Barenboim’s final farewell concert ended with a 15-minute standing ovation. I saw musicians and audience members tear up during the ongoing applause in which Barenboim personally shook every musician’s hand. It was a hot and humid day on Saturday, a day officially proclaimed “Daniel Barenboim Day…
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