12 May 2010
A seminar on musical criticism
Wellington Arts Centre, Toi Poneke, in conjunction with Middle C, present the first in a series of seminars on (mainly) classical music on Thursday 13 May from 5:30pm at Toi Poneke Arts Centre, (The Hub), 61-69 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington.
"A critic is a legless man who teaches running". Channing Pollock, American playwright and critic.
Peter Mechen, Lindis Taylor and Alan Wells – Middle C’s reviewers – will attempt to answer some tough and entertaining questions in this seminar.
The organizers have offered a few leading questions; other questions and opinions will be welcome from participants.
“Why isn’t classical music more popular and why is it sometimes hard to listen to?
“Do we need music critics?
“How do THEY know what’s good and what isn’t?
“Is classical music elitist?
“How do critics engage with composers, performers and audiences?”
Other matters will arise such as the role of the press, and the media in general, in commenting and reporting on, and reviewing the arts. And in particular, the neglect of more serious music – ‘classical’ music. It was this neglect that led to the launch of Middle C.
All are welcome to come along, listen and contribute to the discussion.
Peter Mechen, Lindis Taylor and Alan Wells – Middle C
