Concerts, Autographs and Board Dusters

What a refreshing change.
Robin performed a lunchtime concert today, and, was home by mid afternoon.
The venue was full with a very appreciative audience and it was an eventful programme.
Robin introduced Roland Dyens piece, 'Tango en Skai', as, "Composed by a Parisian but very much an Argentinian tango, and if anyone wants to dance, then feel free."
He then went on to perform the piece with such gusto that his false nail flew off.
Robin continued playing, watched where it landed on the stage, and superglued it back in place whilst the applause rang out.

Flying nails aside, Robin had the chance to talk to a few members of the audience after the concert.
He was surprised to see his old geography teacher, and, very amused when he asked Robin to sign a CD.
The teacher obviously had no idea 40 years ago, when he threw a board duster at the unruly schoolboy, Robin, that today he would be asking for his autograph!
At least Robin was able to tell him that his knowledge of geography has been greatly improved with the extensive travelling he has undertaken.

For all of us at Hillhouse, it's certainly a rare treat, to have Robin home the same day as a concert.
It's a sad reflection on Arts funding in the UK that so much of Robin's work is undertaken abroad.

Music Society Musing

Today I have been following up on a few contacts.
One of them was a music society which has existed for 60 years.
Hill/Wiltschinsky have played for 'Prestwich Music Club' on numerous occasions, and I thought it time I organised a return visit, or solo performance.

I was quite taken aback to find on their web site that they had ceased operations in May this year due to falling membership.
It's very sad when such a committed group of people, who have enjoyed and promoted classical music for so long, have finally succumbed to lack of 'young blood' entering the system.
Robin has played in many different music socities over the years and it has been a worrying trend that the age of the audience is getting older.
However, it isn't always the case, as the guitar does have the power to pull in a younger generaton due to the many genres of playing.

But it's a shame for all concerned.
Sad for the members of a community who will no longer be able to hear, and to meet, top class musicians in a more intimate setting than the major concert halls.

Sad also for those who gave so much of their time planning and organising these events.

Sad for musicians, in a world where it is increasingly difficult for good music to be heard, yet another avenue closes.

We should learn to cherish and enjoy good music and not let our heritage drift off into the distance.
Change is good. Moving on is good. Modern styles of music are also important. But we must appreciate what has gone before because that will fuel the future.

I feel sure that a lack of funding, to help support these smaller associations, must be playing a part in their decline.
However, we also must find a way of introducing younger people to the delights of classical music.

The very term, 'classical music' is one which can alienate younger people, as they feel unable to relate to it.
The 'stuffy' look and feel which classical music had, has been changing, over the years.
The duo long ago discarded their tuxedos for a more contemporary look.

So, we have to find a way of helping music societies, putting pressure on the powers that be to increase funding, or reinstate it where it has already been lost.

New York Calling and Trouble Brewing in the Arts World...

Robin has now docked in New York and talked me through the sites he could see as he walked around the deck. We started with the Statue of Liberty, then Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. Not bad.
He then went off to pack. That concerned me as he told me he was starting it yesterday. Considering he hasn't had any clothes for most of the trip it made me wonder what he needed to do.
I was quite looking forward to the prospect of only a few pairs of socks and the 'M*I*A*M*I' t-shirt to wash.
He has since informed me that once his case arrived he took great joy in wearing most of its contents.
Oh well.
Back here in the UK, I read an article by Martin Beckford, on the state of funding in the arts world.
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Master of the Queen's Music, is to express his views at the annual conference of the 'Incorporated Society of Musicians', on Thursday.
Sir Peter, another northerner as he was born in Salford, Lancashire, adds to the list of musicians from this part of the world.
It seems serious problems could develop unless there is an increase in funding prior to the 2012 Olympic Games.
Watch this space.