Exploring Second Life (and classical music)
I changed into a black t-shirt, practiced a bit with a beach ball and a table, flew from here to there, and finally exited the practice island to step into the “real” …
An attempt at reviewing music
I’ve only explored the world of classical music for a couple of years, so I don’t claim any expertise on the matter. Still, I think I can offer some kind of review …
A microcosm of cultures meeting
While I am on the subject of importing, exporting and legacy, I wanted to mention a local Chicago example. This Sunday, I visited three masses in two churches around Pilsen and Little …
Cultural diplomacy, friendly foreign policy, and trade
On Wednesday I had the honor of meeting Maestro Bernard Haitink after the Chicago Symphony Orchestra rehearsed Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. As quiet and humble as Haitink appears in public and in …
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The Audacity of Being Yourself
I had a two-hour lunch on Tuesday without eating a single bite of food. The two hours were mostly spent in line at the Borders on Michigan Avenue, where Senator Barack Obama …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …