How do you feel about classical music?

When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

When does listening to music bring you the most joy?

I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

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Last night, the bidding was up to $127,000, and the 

for the Beethoven Academie Orchestra was set to end early tomorrow. But I found this morning that the auction had evidently been withdrawn by the orchestra (which started the whole thing as a very effective publicity stunt to protest funding cuts from the Flemish Ministry of Culture).

Here's the message added to the auction page: "Mensen die ons een hart onder de riem willen steken, kunnen intekenen op onze petititielijst die aan Minister Anciaux zal worden afgegeven. http://www.axci.nl/?ln=ned&id=55 Wij danken u voor uw steun "

Flemish translation, anyone? Please? Looks like they're asking would-be bidders to go to their 

 and sign a petition. But all of this is in Flemish, so I'll appeal for either a free translation or a suggestion for an automatic online Flemish translation site.

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

Last night, the bidding was up to $127,000, and the eBay auction for the Beethoven Academie Orchestra was set to end early tomorrow. But I found this morning that the auction had evidently been withdrawn by the orchestra (which started the whole thing as a very effective publicity stunt to protest funding cuts from the […]


Symphony in e(Bay): Finale and Coda

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