Musical Diplomacy and Determinism during the quarantine and after
John Axelrod
During times of crisis and depression, music has always been our source of sanctuary, salvation and even seduction. It can communicate the solidarity of our society even when countries have differing and dividing policies. The recent revolution on the internet of ZOOM conference performances reveal yet again the basic truth of musical experience: That the sum is greater than the parts, even if we are alone broadcasting from our own living rooms or offices. Truly, the coronavirus quarantine has affected our world in ways none of us could have imagined. Without a shared public, without our colleagues, without a stage we are rendered mute. Silence may be golden in a proverbial sense, but not in financial, societal or musical ways for most of us. How can we heal the soul when we are restricted to solitary confinement?
The irony of our profession is that while we experience the here and now in our craft, our careers are based on future planning. If we do not know what or where or how it will come, it can affect the why. Why make music if we have no one with whom to share? And what will governments do to realize how important it is to make music? Imagine a quarantine without music or art or poetry or films or any other creative art? We would all go mad.
“And so we must make music. Even if alone. We must provide the setting for a diplomacy through musical examples. ”
The world has been listening as we make a joyful noise even from our living rooms or balconies. As social animals and divine creations we survive and sing in harmony. We will be victorious over this crisis and music will prevail just as countries open their economies and populations prove resistant to further infection. Social distancing measures may evolve our methods, but they will not silence our sounds. And these sounds will once again restore our spirits.
What to say to a younger generation who hope to make their music a diplomatic channel in support or in protest of government action or inaction? To the young musicians of the world: You are the generation more online as much as you are onstage. You are more involved in substantive causes than any other generation in history.
“You are more informed and more inspired. You can bring countries together while our current leaders pull us apart.”
Our world of classical music may be steeped in history and tradition, but you, the young musicians to today and tomorrow, bring innovation and the promise of great potential for the performing art of music, in recital, ensemble or orchestra. Take advantage of that technology, as we have seen during this time of isolation. Be creative in your entrepreneurial spirit and carry your public with you, rather than having to only go to them. Establish deeper connections across artistic boundaries to fulfill your vision.
Be determined. Do not hesitate to audition for orchestras and apply for competitions. Do not waste the opportunity to engage with your politicians. The world needs your strength more than ever to serve as an example how music will redeem us. The loss of life, the recession of economies, the closure of borders: We may suffer from enormous tragedies, both human and financial, but we will survive. Your future is ours. Your dream of making music is our dream. Your goal to make music will be our shared hope.
The world is small. It did not take long for a virus to cross the globe. But it only takes seconds now for a song and a symphony to reach the eyes, ears and hearts of Man.
Health and hope,
John Axelrod
Artistic and Musical Director, Real Orquestra Sinfonica de Sevilla
Principal Guest Conductor, City of Kyoto Symphony Orchestra
