Several times this last Sunday, when I mentioned the fact that I write a blog on Aaron Copland people looked at me a bit perplexed. There was a momentary slightly puzzled expression as if to say, Are you sure you’re in the right place? I was at the latest BBC Total Immersion event at the Barbican celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Pierre Boulez. Throughout his life Boulez was a provocative firebrand of the avant garde. His music was always...
100 years and two months ago Aaron Copland’s Symphony for Organ and Orchestra was premiered by the New York Symphony Orchestra. At the end of the concert the conductor Walter Damrosch turned to the...
Here’s a New Year’s Resolution for you! Check out Sound World’s brilliant podcast series called A Land Without Music? If like me, you love classical music and believe that it provides a force for...
Even though I have been to plenty of superb performances this year there are a few good ‘uns that I’ve missed. Work, the Olympics and a family holiday have scuppered John Wilson at the...
For the last few years I have been thinking how I might celebrate the 125th anniversary of Aaron Copland’s birth. I am now ready to share the vision for Copland 125! The idea in...
Aaron Copland died on 2 December, 1990. I had just turned 20 and was at Swansea University. I watched the BBC News and there was an obituary. I can remember the black and white...
I bet you didn’t realise there was a link between Aaron Copland and Muhammad Ali? Neither did I, but sometimes the stuff I turn up seems to be like buried treasure that is just...
Like most people I have plenty of Bucket List entries that I want to tick off in my life. Many of these are of course associated with the music of Aaron Copland and one...
I love my city – Bristol. For sure, there are things that annoy me – the lack of a mass transit system – why? And certain derelict buildings that have stood like eyesores for...
At heart I’m a city boy. Even though my job involves working with farmers and I love country walks and nature spotting, I feel the need to be close to where culture is. I...
Total Immersion: Pierre Boulez
03 April 2025
Music for a Great City: The Outcry Ensemble at Smith Square – Review
29 September 2024
