On Demand
Soundcheck
-
Musical Director Lorin Maazel (C) from the New York Philarmonic orchestra bows as he receives a standing ovation after their inaugural performance in Pyongyang on February 26, 2008. (Photo by MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)The New Cultural Diplomacy
Music has been an instrument of global diplomacy since the Cold War era. But critics say it's ineffective and misguided. Today, our Soundcheck Smackdown debate focuses on music as a diplomatic tool, from Cuba to North Korea. Also: The Red Fox Chasers were hitmakers back in the late 1920s. Now, their classic American string band music is back, courtesy of the group The Dust Busters. They perform live in our studio.
Smackdown: Diplomacy and the Arts
The Latin pop superstar Juanes is set to perform in Havana this Sunday. And, the New York Philharmonic is considering the Cuban government's invitation to perform there later his year. Today: a Soundcheck Smackdown on the effectiveness and appropriateness of music as a diplomatic tool. Guests include cultural commentator and blogger Lee Rosenbaum and Nick Gillespie, editor in chief of Reason.com and Reason.tv.
Tell us: Should music and the arts be involved in international diplomacy? When does it work? When doesn't it?
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on cultural diplomacy
Lee Rosenbaum's blog, CultureGrrl
Reason online
The Dust Busters
The Red Fox Chasers were hitmakers back in the late 1920s. Now, their classic American string band music is back, courtesy of the group The Dust Busters. They perform live in our studio.
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
