All eyes are on China, and not just because of the Summer Olympics. Many in Western classical music circles point to China as the future of the genre. But New Yorker music critic Alex Ross isn't so sure. He joins us to talk about the ups and downs of China's music boom and its role in the Summer Games. Also: Kim Deal helped create a roadmap for alternative rock with her bands the Pixies and the Breeders. She joins us to talk about the first Breeders record in six years.
China Aims for Gold in Classical
In China, somewhere between 30 million and 100 million children are said to be learning piano, violin or both. Concert halls are full. And classical music will play a significant role in the Summer Olympics. But New Yorker music critic Alex Ross had some doubts about China’s music boom. We ...
Kim and Kelley Deal
Kim Deal spent the 1980's and 1990's at the top of alternative music in bands like The Pixies and The Breeders. Now, Deal and The Breeders (including her twin sister Kelley) have returned from a six-year hiatus with the album "Mountain Battles." Deal and her twin sister (and fellow Breeder) ...
Pain at the Pump impacts concert business
Four-dollar-a-gallon gas prices are hurting the summer-concert business, as fans stay home and top and festivals take box-office hits. Rolling Stone reporter Steve Knopper explains.
The Shape of Things to Come
As Alex Ross points out in his recent article in the New Yorker, we’re being increasingly told that China is the future of classical music. The numbers are staggering – 30 million piano and/or violin students (conservatively – more enthusiastic numbers-crunchers say as many as 100 million); conservatories 10 ...