Chinese Opera – Macau 2009

Chinese opera from Olimilch on Vimeo.

Chinese Opera filmed May 1, 2009 on Coloane Island, Macau (SAR) China. These performances every year on Taipa Island (Macau, China) also. I’ve stood by the musician pit many times to watch them play and it’s fascinating. I have to admit I cringe a little when the Chinese opera sopranos start singing, but I’m starting to acquire a taste for the male voices.

Ambassadors of Harmony – 2009 International Barbershop Chorus Champions

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmDGntpZC3I

Be sure to watch the whole video. Lots of great stuff in here. Bravo!

The Barbershop Harmony Society is proud to present your 2009 International Barbershop Chorus Champions performing their uptune ‘Seventy-Six Trombones’ by Meredith Wilson and arranged by David Wright. Representing the Central States District, under the Direction of Dr. Jim Henry…..the Ambasssadors of Harmony! (www.aoh.org)

Christopher Hitchens on Art

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrDOfJNND2Y

This interview is very dry and slow, but I think Hitchens has excellent comments on the role of art and music as aesthetics for inspiring people beyond the ordinary and every day. He also mentions how the work of people like Stephen Hawking and Einstein also provide an inspiration.

From the First Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney, Australia. Presented by the Sydney Opera House and the St James Ethics Centre.

Maurice Sendak on Being Scary

Reporter: “What do you say to parents who think the Wild Things film may be too scary?”

Sendak: “I would tell them to go to hell. That’s a question I will not tolerate.”

Reporter: “Because kids can handle it?”

Sendak: “If they can’t handle it, go home. Or wet your pants. Do whatever you like. But it’s not a question that can be answered.”

Continue reading “Maurice Sendak on Being Scary”

The Bard on Doubt

Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.
William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, Act 1 scene 4
Greatest English dramatist & poet (1564 – 1616)