I include here two very interesting articles that have gone viral among classical musicians. They address the circumstances of classical musicians who are not born in environments where classical music is part of the family culture or profession, but still invest intense creative effort and monetary resources to achieve exalted proficiency in an art they love above all. They are not always rewarded for their devotion. It is a complex issue that does not deserve pandering answers of any kind, but let’s not confuse the art itself (with the “classical music is dead” trope) with historical social structures and economic models that have supported it. The experience of spiritual solace and revelation that art provides, including art music, should be the right of all. How can we support true artists in whatever environment they are born in? What is the new model?
On Being a First Generation Classical Musician
