| Unfortunately, I was unable to open the nytimes article. But, I do like your comment about programming challenging rep for children's concerts. It seems to me that there are a few different views being expressed by the posts in this thread. Some feel that we need to educate youth before they hear music by people like Boulez, Stockhausen... But, the London Sinfonietta is successful by just letting them react. Perhaps what is needed is a middle ground. Maybe orchestras should program some of the timeless masterworks, as well as the newer creations. That way, young people get exposure to both, and can decide for themselves.
I know that many people feel that audiences have heard Beethoven 5 too many times, and are sick of it. However, to young people, this can be just as new as anything written today. I do want to expose young people to new, exciting music, but also think we should show them the pieces that have persisted. Though some pieces may seem cliched and overplayed, there is a reason we still hear them.
Zeb
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Zebediah Upton |