Worth reading: Alexandra Wilson’s article “Excellence for everyone” as published in The Critic.
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Further to this article, and that by Julian Lloyd Webber, http://www.colinscolumn.com/julian-lloyd-webber-speaks-out-in-the-radio-times-about-the-bbc-singers/, I attended a spectacularly brilliant production of Turandot at my local cinema yesterday evening. It was a live relay from the Royal Opera House, and as far as I understand, it was to be relayed in many countries across the world. It cost me all of £17-95, quite a lot less than the cost of a Travelcard to London on Senior Railcard, and it was viewed in great comfort, with a free cast list and excellent presentation. The intervals were filled with interesting live interviews with various leading production members, and with general information, informally produced; cast members in costume, and technicians could be seen wandering backstage in the background. The singing was amazing, as was the staging, dancing and playing, and the leading cast members were drawn from many different races. An unobtrusive translation was provided at the bottom of the screen.
Surely events such as these, disseminated at low cost, to anyone who wants to attend, reflect with the greatest credit on this country, and every effort should be made to support them. Excellence, in whatever form, should be gloried in. At whose decision should we be made to step down from being foremost in the field?
Well, deeply unfashionable though it may be, in directing the committee members who made this decision to Chapter 4, verse 8 of the book of Philippians – presumably not too difficult for them to comprehend – it would appear that the wilful destruction of significant concepts is not a new development. This article in The Critic is excellent, but – as I am sure readers know – it will mean nothing in the minds (minds?) of those who supported this uncivilised demonstration of ignorance.