Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell - Experience Reunited?

Those who follow this blog regularly will know that Jimi Hendrix has played a huge role in Robin's musical life.
But it wasn't just Hendrix, it was the whole 'Jimi Hendrix Experience', the meeting of three musicians who changed the face of music.
Jimi Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell.

It's not just Robin though, most musicians I know have spent a lifetime listening to the music of Jimi Hendrix. Right across the range from classical, jazz, to rock.
There was something so exhilarating, exciting and original about their playing, interaction, and complete 'ease' with their instruments that seems to inspire all musicians. Nigel Kennedy, for example, has always been very vocal about his musical roots and love of Hendrix.

So it was with great sadness that we heard of the death of the last surviving band member, Mitch Mitchell.
Mitchell was a fabulous drummer and the interplay between him and Hendrix was legendary.
You can read an interesting and informative obituary in The Telegraph.

The sad news prompted a weekend of listening to various tracks and searching for a fitting YouTube video to show all the band members at their best.
But it didn't stop there.
Robin has spent some time practicing Rodrigo's, 'Concierto de Aranjuez', for a performance next year, and emerged from the music room as I was surfing the net.

Just to live up to his reputation of the 'Hendrix of the classical guitar', he proceeded to play the opening bars of the concierto with his guitar behind his head...
It wasn't until I pointed out that this may not be the best way to treat his valuable Rodriguez guitar, and that maybe he should try it with his Stratocaster instead, that he stopped. (I know, it's boring always being the sensible one...)

Anyway, the world is a poorer place with the loss of Mitch Mitchell.
Our hope is that finally, after many years, the trio have now been reunited, and are holding the best ever jam session somewhere....

But here on earth, we have to be content with archive footage.
There's so much to choose from it has been difficult.
We finally settled on a song called 'Killing Floor', originally by the band, 'Electric Flag', as it shows beautifully the energy and interaction on stage during a live performance.
As the video won't post to blog, you'll have to click the link to watch, but it's worth it... 'The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Killing Floor.'

The QE2 - Final Journey

Now this is confusing as Robin is actually on the Queen Victoria.
But as he has performed many times on the QE2, and I have many QE2 fans who follow this blog, I couldn't let such a significant day pass without a mention.

I am referring to the preparations for the final journey of the QE2 as she leaves Southampton.
You can read an article by Caroline Gammell here.

The QE2 is very special and Robin has had many happy times on board.
I have written so many posts about her over the years, and you can see some of them by typing QE2 into 'search blog', but here are a selection.

'The QE2, the Giant Cat, and Plenty of Practice', 'Comedy on Cunard, Coffee and Clapping and YouTube', or maybe, 'Post Rodrigo's 'Adagio'.

There has been a minor problem though in the early hours of the morning.
Apparently the QE2 ran aground, but even this event was so gracefully done that most passengers were unaware of the problem!
You can read Kate Kelland's report here.

We wish her a safe final journey. Meanwhile, Robin and the Queen Victoria have arrived in Port Said, Egypt, and his second concert is tomorrow.

Video of Cunard's Queens & Arts Council Cuts

It is concert day for Robin and he is rehearsing hard but I won' get any details until late tonight or even tomorrow.
But if you follow this link you can watch a video and read a report by Tom Leonard, which opens with a beautiful image of the 'Three Queens' sailing past the Statue of Liberty, with fireworks in the background.
It's very strange for me to see knowing that Robin is on board. Especially when it shows the Queen Victoria in dock. I swear I can hear the distant sound of the guitar...

But I do now have the opportunity to mention the current cutbacks we are experiencing here in the UK.
I had an email from the 'Musicians in Residence' scheme, which has been running for many years, and which the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo have occasionally had dealings with.

The scheme was aimed at supporting musicians and promoters in the Yorkshire region, by offering grants to promoters in the area, to book quality artists they would otherwise be unable to afford.
They have now had their funding removed and the scheme has been stopped.

It's a real shame as the general public are the ones who lose out.
It is now unlikely that smaller promoters and venues will be able to afford the top ranking acts without this financial assistance.
However, it isn't all caused by the Arts Council.
The Musicians in Residence scheme also reported a reduction in promoters taking up the offer over the last few years.

This brings me to an area we have discussed many times here. If people aren't given the chance to see live entertainment, be it music, theatre, or whatever, then their appetite for such things diminishes.
They begin to only expect performances in the major towns and cities, and even there, they are having similar problems.

Meanwhile on the television, reality T.V. is viewed by millions.
It appears that Oscar Wilde was right:

"The English public feels perfectly at ease with a mediocrity."

So some things are never new.

The Electric Guitar and the Halle Orchestra

It has been rather a strange few days.
As the school holidays came to an end son number one discovered a talent for drumming.
The whole drum kit wasn't set up, but he made use of what was available, and he has requested a new bass drum pedal for his birthday....
Not to be outdone on the noise front, Robin has been playing his electric guitar.

Now this may seem strange to regular readers, as they will know that he is soon off on a trip, and has many programmes to be working on.
But, in an unprecedented move, Robin decided to take a few days off from the classical guitar, to allow his nails to rest and grow, before going away.

Hence the electric guitar.
You didn't expect him to be without an instrument in his hands did you?
I must say it has been a delight to hear, and, Robin has been thoroughly enjoying himself, and now has a new, very funky piece, nearly written.

What he enjoyed most of all was playing along with son number one.
Not to be outdone, second son joined in with his Christmas triangle, and a shaker.

But now school has resumed and we are all getting on with our work.

I read an article by Ivan Hewett today, where he talks to Mark Elder about the forthcoming 150th anniversary of the Halle Orchestra.
If you remember, I spoke to Mark Elder back in November, you can remind yourselves here, and was very impressed with him as a conductor, and his ability to engage with the younger generation.
So, if you are in the Manchester area on January 30th, you can see The Halle's 150th anniversary concert at the Bridgewater Hall. For more details go here.

Listen To The Music

Ivan Hewett has written an interesting article, 'Open your ears and let the magic in', which is worth reading.
The general gist is highlighting the importance of really listening to music and giving it our full attention.

The report was prompted after 'hearing' some youths 'listening' to music through their mobile 'phones, and realising just how dreadful the sound actually is.

As Hewett says, "When listening intently sounds and music take on a special glow. When mingled with the world's noise and bustle, they shrink down to just another annoying distraction that has to be filtered out if we want to hang on to our sanity." Well said.

From a musician's point of view, sound quality is all important. Such a lot of time and effort goes into creating the best possible sound from your instrument, which isn't an easy process in the recording studio, especially for the guitar.

Listening to music intently is something we are very used to in our house.
Especially at the moment.
As Robin records another track for the new CD, each piece is scrutinized and agonized over.
Has the sound been captured?
Does it have the right feel?
Are there any extraneous noises?

This is a long process which requires many, many takes of each track to get it just as Robin wants it.
I'm sure it is the same for most musicians.

People listen to music in different ways.
They may have sit down purely to listen, or, in the background whilst socialising.
For Robin, a life time of dedication to music makes it very difficult for him to join in a conversation when music is on in the background, as his ear is naturally drawn to the music.
If we play music at home it is to listen to, not to supplement an atmosphere. If we have friends round for a meal, naturally we will play music, but invariably the conversation is drawn to the piece currently playing.
Years of intense listening seem to have affected our ability to 'filter out' the sound.

But we do realise that often people want to listen in this way and that is fine.
But do take the time to sit back and 'really' listen to music. The benefits are incredible.
You will 'hear' so much more than you initially realised was there.
Apart from that, we owe it to our musicians to listen to the music in which they have invested so much time.

Led Zeppelin Review and Robin Hill on Electric Guitar

Led Zeppelin have reformed for a 'one off' reunion gig which has gone down a storm.
So successful was it that there are rumours that more will follow.
To read an ecstatic review, by David Cheal, of their concert at the O2 arena, here it is, 'Led Zeppelin: Then it got better still'.

This was enough to prompt us to play 'Good Times Bad Times', from Led Zeppelin 1, a favourite of Robin's as it has Jimmy Page playing some triplet scales, ascending and descending, which was quite unusual at the time it was recorded.
We thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and I hope our neighbours did too...

If you have found yourself on this site due to the references to Led Zeppelin, then you may be interested to see that some classical musicians do have the ability to play rock.
Check out these links from previous blog entries I have made of Robin playing electric guitar with various groups over the years.
First, 'Palace of the Kings', with Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Maggie Bell and Paul Martinez.

Then there's, 'Wizard of Waukesha' with his band 'Hooper'.

Or maybe, 'Fast Forward', again with 'Hooper', this time playing his Travis Bean guitar.

Finally, there's another band of Robin's, 'Force 10', here you can read all about them and follow the links for more playing.

So, some players have many facets to their musical character...

'Yesterday' and Robin Hill

'Yesterday' by Lennon and McCartney has to be one of the most well known songs ever recorded.
The song was written by Paul McCartney after the music came to him in a dream. He then used the words 'scrambled eggs' until he later worked out the lyrics!

This version of 'Yesterday', is an arrangement of Robin's, for two guitars, and is track 9 on Virtuoso.
Over the years the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo have recorded many Beatles tracks, which they always arranged themselves.
Often they would add little musical quotes from other well known songs, somewhere in the arrangement, and we have often wondered if anyone noticed them. Some are more obvious than others, and they aren't necessarily from other Beatles songs.

There is in fact one in 'Yesterday', but you would have to hear the whole track, to see if you could identify the musical quip.
Can anyone spot it?

Other news, there was an interesting article in the Telegraph today, by Simon Heffer.
Heffer gives an excellent review of a new film about the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It sounds like it will be well worth watching, and you can see it in the UK on Channel 5 on January 1st. As the film is three hours long it should give you plenty of time to recover from any overindulgence the night before.
If you can't wait until then to see it, it's available on DVD form tomorrow, at, tonypalmerdvd.com

Canarios and Cunard's 'Queen Victoria'

Canarios is a lively and optimistic piece of music which, as the title suggests, hails from the Canary Islands.
Gaspar Sanz (1640-1710) was a dominant figure of Spanish baroque music, and Canarios is taken from Sanz's 'Suite Espagnole'.

Many people will recognise the theme from Joaquin Rodrigo's, 'Fantasia Para Una Gentilhombre', which was composed for Andres Segovia in 1953.

Canarios is such a happy piece that Robin frequently performs it as an encore, which is always very popular.
You can hear Robin playing it here, track 10.

There was an interesting article in the paper today, for anyone of a nautical persuasion, 'Cunard adds 'Queen Victoria' to its fleet', by Richard Grey.
Judging by the pictures and the descriptions on Cunard's site, the Queen Victoria is certainly luxurious.
The Royal Court Theatre looks incredible, with three levels to create a grand auditorium, including private boxes.
The theatre seats over 800, and in early January Robin will be performing a couple of concerts on board.
Still, one of the 352,000 bottles of champagne that are expected to be drunk next year, should help to calm any post concert nerves....

'Return to Islay' and the Need to Promote Classical Music...

Return to Islay, track 7 on 'Virtuoso', was inspired during a visit to this remote Hebridean island, when Robin was performing there with Peter Wiltschinsky, as the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo.
Although Robin had never been to the island before he felt the place was strangely familiar, and on his return home, set about composing this solo guitar piece.

The music reflects the calm serenity of the terrain and Robin wanted to write something very simple. The paradox is that effective simplicity is difficult to achieve!

I hope that you will agree that Robin managed to evoke the spirit of this beautiful island in his piece, 'Return to Islay'.

Encouraging children to listen to all types of music is, once again, something we need to address.
There was an interesting article in the 'Telegraph' the other day, by Graeme Paton, Traditional musical instruments 'in decline'.

The research, led by Professor Susan Hallam, was carried out on young children in school.
The popularity of the violin, recorder, flute and clarinet has declined over the last two years, but the number of pupils learning the guitar and drums has increased.
In fact, Hallam predicts that the acoustic guitar will overtake the violin as the most widely taught instrument.

That's good news for us!

Coincidentally, I spent last night at son number one's, 'Year 6 concert', from which I can report a healthy interest in musical instruments.
Over the evening the audience enjoyed 48 performances by enthusiastic 10 year olds.
The instruments, in order of number of appearances, were,
1st place - Piano
2nd - Guitar
3rd - Drums
4/5 (joint) - vocal & trumpet
7/8/9/10/11 (joint) violin, cornet, flute, glockenspiel and saxophone

For good measure there was also a demonstration of Irish and Tap Dancing.

The most important point is exposure.
All children need to hear classical music in order to fuel their desire to learn a classical instrument.
We are lucky, our school has a very positive approach, but that certainly isn't always the case.
As the report points out, children want to emulate the music they see.
So why aren't we able to see and hear more classical music on T.V.?
We know it will help our children in so many ways, yet seem happy to let a few generations 'fall by the wayside' before we redress the balance.

The point is highlighted again today, in an article by Jasper Rees, 'Loving music - with no strings attached'.
Rees is currently enjoying a return to horn playing after a 22 year break, and stresses that the rewards of learning an instrument as a child are incalculable. The legacy of the skills acquired are like a 'deposit on your culture future'.

We know that learning an instrument develops skills such as team work, memory, vocabulary and increase of confidence, it also appears that those skills remain with us into adulthood.
So the current Government plan to boost music in primary schools should be encouraged wholeheartedly.

I learnt the guitar for many years as a child and look what happened to me. I married a classical guitarist and the skills I learnt have proved invaluable in understanding the man and his music.

Russell Watson and Sir Paul McCartney

Robin has been hard at work all day and I have been out.
But we couldn't let the day pass without commenting on two very different situations.
The first, is the news that Russell Watson has had to endure brain surgery, a second time, for a recurring tumour.
At the time of writing, here, in a report by Veronica Schmidt, is the latest news.
It appears that Russell's condition has moved from 'critical' to 'stable', which is fantastic news.
If you want to watch a video of Russell and Robin, then you can do so, right here.
Be sure to think very positive thoughts, and hopefully, we will see Russell making a full and speedy recovery very soon.

On a much lighter note, did you see the fabulous concert last night?
This is a review worth reading by Helen Brown, 'Sir Paul McCartney rocks the Electric Proms.'
Oh how we wished we'd been there.
However, you can see some extracts, on the 'BBC electric proms' site.
Go and have a look.
It's worth it.

Classical Guitar on T.V... the QM2 and BBC2 (Classical Stars)

Yesterday, Robin recorded an in house T.V. show which was broadcast today, on the QM2.
I assume, he was discussing his next classical guitar concert, which is on Friday.
Today being Tuesday, means he has a few days off, before his next performance.

However, it doesn't mean that he will be putting his feet up, and relaxing.
Scales and arpeggios have to be done, whether there is a concert that day, or not. He will also be running through the programme at least once a day in preparation.

As the clocks keep changing by an hour every day, he finds himself waking at his usual time, but, discovering no one else around.
He did, very thoughtfully, decide not to start his practise until a more reasonable time of day, and took himself off for a walk instead.

Here, back in the UK, there has been a lot of talk, both in the papers, and the blogosphere, about a new T.V. programme which starts tonight on BBC2, at 9pm.
'Classical Star', aims to find the best classical musician in this country, under the age of 20.
Those involved in the making of the programme, hope to also promote classical music generally, and highlight the dedication required to master an instrument.
To learn more about it read James Rampton's article, 'Classical Star: The next generation tunes up for stardom'.

I will try and watch it, as a classical guitarist called Ian, has made it to this stage. It is such a rare sight to see anyone play the classical guitar on television, that it will be worth watching, for that reason alone.
All contestants needed to have attained a Grade 8 just to apply.
But to perform in public requires more than a certificate.
I just hope they have the charisma to pull it off.

Classical Guitars and Hampton Court

There's an article in the paper today, by Roger Highfield and Nic Fleming, about 'Palaces being damaged by concert noise'.
Many historic buildings have been used for years as a backdrop for fund-raising concerts.
But a study carried out at Hampton Court Palace has found that loud music has damaged windows and brickwork.
I do hope that Hill/Wiltschinsky didn't contribute to the increased decay.
Years ago they performed live for BBC Radio 4, at Hampton Court , in a programme hosted by Gloria Hunniford.
Here are a youthful looking duo relaxing with sandwiches after the concert!




It was a good week for them, as the programme was chosen for 'Pick of the Week', which they were delighted about.
The article does go on to say that it is the bass frequencies, usually greater in rock concerts than classical, which cause the most problems.
So there we have it, more classical music please, in these fabulous settings. Not only is it an inspirational night out for artist and audience alike, but, it's also better for the environment.

Led Zeppelin and Pavarotti

With all the papers talking of the reunion of Led Zeppelin for a one off concert in November, after a 19 year break, I just couldn't resist showing you this photo again.





Yes, it's Robin, playing his Gibson Les Paul guitar, with a very, 'Led Zeppelin' look about him.
He was going to record a version of 'Stairway To Heaven' especially for you, but, unfortunately even Robin on his guitar can't compete with the pneumatic drill outside...
You can however read, and listen, to Robin playing the electric guitar by following this link to a previous post on the band, 'Force Ten'.

In an unrelated story, it was rather sad to read a report by Nick Pisa, how unhappy Pavarotti was prior to his death, a situation that his family have been quick to deny. I do hope his comments to a friend in the late stages of his illness were just a symptom of his advancing vulnerability rather than marital problems.

Arborecide?

It's incredibly noisy here today.
Just when the children have returned to school and we are adjusting to the quiet, builders and tree surgeons have arrived in the near vicinity.
The sound of tumbling bricks has been deafening, but then they are thrown into a skip, from a distance, which is even worse.
As if that wasn't bad enough some neighbours decided to have some trees felled.
That's fine, they are their trees, but neither Robin nor I could bring ourselves to watch. We love trees, and feel the world needs as many of them as possible, to counter some of the environmental damage being done, and, of course, for their beauty.
I had to go out for a while.
I couldn't stand to see healthy trees, that we have admired from our bedroom window, be slowly dismembered.
Apart from that, the noise was horrendous, especially when combined with falling bricks.
So I escaped, until the worst was over, and Robin took himself off to the furthest point of the house, to try and hear himself practice his scales and arpeggios.

Meanwhile tributes have been made worldwide to the keyboard player Joe Zawinul. We did our own yesterday, but for one of many obituaries, you can read more about Zawinul's life here.

Last Night of the Proms and First Day of School

It's good to know I wasn't the only one enjoying the 'Last Night of the Proms', read Geoffrey Norris's lovely review, 'A vintage and stirring night', for a full report.

We are having a strange day here.
School has resumed for the Autumn term and son number two has now entered the academic system, full time, from today.
There's an eerie quiet about the house, and over lunch, Robin and I couldn't quite get used to the lack of noise and fidgeting around the table.
Anyone who has children will understand the transition we are all making, but, so far, all appears to have gone well.

It will of course mean that we should both have more time during the day to get on with some work, that's the theory anyway...

To Play or Not to Play - That is the Question...

The other day I mentioned Bryn Terfel pulling out of the Royal Opera House's autumn production due to family commitments.
Following on from that, Rupert Christiansen wrote a piece yesterday which has some very good points, and it appears the public are divided. You can read the report and the comments here.

I do know that Robin had to make a very difficult decision connected to the premiere of his first ever concerto, 'Concerto Primavera'.
Two days prior to the performance, Robin's father died suddenly and unexpectedly.
Our world was in turmoil.
We had to deal with the emotion in the same way as any family.
But what do you do about the premiere?
The orchestra were booked and had been rehearsing.
The event was sold out.
It was not only the premiere of the piece, but also, the first concerto Robin had composed.
It wasn't just a case of being present at the premiere, Robin also had to perform it!
All in all it was a difficult position.

We discussed the situation as a family and it was decided that the 'show must go on', for many reasons, one of which being that Robin's father had been looking forward to it so much.
We didn't tell anyone.
Robin just got up there, played as well as he could, and somehow managed to get through the whole experience.
In fact the event was a huge success, and gained excellent reviews, which gave a much needed morale boost.

So, in this situation, the show did go on.
However, I'm not sure the same would apply if it were a sick child.
A parent who has died is a very different scenario, there really isn't a lot you can do.
A sick child needs support.
I just hope we don't have to face that dilemma, and I suppose all situations have to be looked at individually, and an informed decision made that feels right for the performer and their family.

'High Fives' for the 'Great Tenor' - Pavarotti has Died

I'm sure that most of the blogging world will be discussing the death of Luciano Pavarotti, who died this morning, at the age of 71. You can read Malcolm Moore's report here.

It's sad when anyone dies, but characters as big as Pavarotti, in every sense of the word, don't happen too often.
His popularity has introduced many thousands of people to the area of classical music, and more specifically, opera, which is an achievement in itself.
Amongst musicians there was always an element of 'fear' when chosen to perform with him, as he had very clear ideas of what he wanted to hear. However there was also a huge pride at being offered that role.

This happened twice to Robin, although the second performance was cancelled due to Pavarotti's failing health.
Robin sat very near to him and felt his presence was even more powerful in person than he anticipated.
Pavarotti never spoke to the musicians directly, it was always done through the conductor, (despite his large voice he was very quietly spoken), but Robin could hear everything he said.
Believe me, Robin was very keen to give a note perfect performance and interpretation, for fear of the wrath of the great man.
It went well though and Robin was fine, unlike some of the orchestral members....

In the last few days of his life the Italian government awarded him a prize to recognise his achievements, shortly after La Scala announced a new Luciano Pavarotti award.
Pavarotti is said to have been "happy at the recognition", and it was nice for him to hear about these awards, instead of them being issued after his death. I do hope he took them as acknowledgments of his achievements and not notification of his moribund state.

Pavarotti was passionate about life and passionate about his music and will be greatly missed.

The Times They are a Changin'

One thing I miss when Robin is away are the debates and discussions that occur, usually triggered by a simple thought, or newspaper article.
So I was very pleased today when he announced gleefully that Bob Dylan's lyrics are to be studied in secondary schools.
Yes, we debated and discussed, and Robin's overriding view was, that Dylan is a poet and a musician, and it's an ideal way to teach children.
He then went off to practice and I continued to ponder the situation.
There was an interesting article by Sam Leith in the paper today, which has many good points, and you can read it here.

Eventually, I found myself on Bob Dylan's site, reading through some of his lyrics.
Here's one verse from, The Times They Are A-Changin', you can read the whole song here.

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old roads is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

I feel sure that most teenagers will relate to this one verse alone.
If any child becomes interested in the use of language, and the power that goes with it, then this can only be positive.
Also, Robin has a hidden agenda when it comes to Bob Dylan, he does an excellent impression which actually sounds more like Dylan than Dylan does!

Classical Music and Growing Children...

A much happier man!
The second and last guitar concert on the QM2 went very well.



Despite feeling like he had someones toenails glued to two finger ends the concert was a success and the audience enjoyed it.
Robin had a lot of very positive feedback which is always nice.
He decided to relax back in his room afterwards by practicing the Bach Prelude from Lute Suite No.4!!
I suspect he also went out later for a meal and a few well deserved drinks...

Meanwhile here in the UK, Nic Fleming has been reporting that, 'Beethoven can help crops grow more quickly.'
It can in fact be classical music in general. I have a strong suspicion that the same applies to children.
You wouldn't believe the number of shoes I have just had to buy.
I think I'm going to have to get Robin to do 'silent practise' on his return in an attempt to slow down their growth rate...

Venezuelan Work Ethic

Everybody is talking about the 'Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela' and their recent appearance at the Proms.
It wasn't only their playing that grabbed the headlines but the joy they displayed whilst performing.
You can read all about it in this article by Paul Gent.
The article also looks at Venezuela's music education system, 'El Sistema', which shows what can be achieved with some financial input and a large amount of foresight.

We have first hand experience of working with the 'Symphony Orchestra Gran Mariscal De Ayacucho' in Caracas.
Some years ago the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo performed Castelnuovo-Tedesco's 'Concerto for Two Guitars' with them.
It was an incredible experience.
Prior to the concert all the orchestra were outside, sitting in the shade of the trees, with their instruments, practising.
The venue was full, with many families and young children, all excited at the prospect of the evening.
That in itself is encouraging.

The most interesting point though is that AFTER the concert, the same musicians were back outside, practising the parts they felt should have been better.
I've never seen that anywhere else.
They all wanted to talk to the duo about their playing and the piece in general, and there was a huge amount of respect from all the members of the orchestra, and the audience.
As El Sistema was established in 1975 I assume that many of the orchestral players had gone through the system.

It seems that the approach taken in Venezuela is one from which we can all learn
.
One of their goals is to, "create citizens with all the values they need to exist in society - responsibility, teamwork, respect, cooperation and work ethic."
Seems to me that these are all qualities we need to promote here in the UK.