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Summary
Bart Van der Roost, Secretary General of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, discusses the beauty and significance of classical music. He explains that classical music transcends language and culture, and encourages listeners to experience it firsthand. Bart also talks about the role of a Philharmonic Orchestra and the challenges they face in preserving tradition while adapting to the modern world. He emphasizes the power of live performances and the unique experience they offer. Bart also discusses the importance of music education and the impact it can have on individuals. He concludes by discussing the digital presence of the orchestra and the ongoing discussion about sustainability in the music industry. In this part of the conversation, Bart Van der Roost discusses the importance of touring for orchestras and the need for artists to question and challenge themselves. He also talks about the fusion of Indian classical and Western classical music and the importance of respecting different cultures in fusion projects. Bart explains the concept of Neo Scores, a digital platform for sheet music, and how it modernizes the way music is read and performed. He also shares insights into his role as a culture manager and the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. The conversation touches on the cost of running an orchestra, the role of subsidies in the arts, and the benefits of paying taxes in Belgium. Belgium has a government that provides subsidies for unemployment and education. The government supports unemployed individuals for a certain period of time, providing enough money for basic needs. Education in Belgium is subsidized, with low fees for high school and higher education. The country focuses on providing good education, healthcare, and security. Belgium is known for its multiculturalism and open economy, with many Belgians speaking multiple languages. The capital, Brussels, is the capital of Europe and a hub for European organizations. Belgium is famous for its food, including Belgian fries and Belgian beef stew. The country is also known for its music festivals, such as Tomorrowland. The inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax, was Belgian. Belgium is home to the Manneken Pis statue, which has become a national symbol. The country has beautiful cities with a mix of architectural styles, from medieval to modern. In this final part of the conversation, Bart Van der Roost shares his thoughts on various topics. He reveals the three people he would like to have lunch with: Richard Strauss, Beyonce, and an ancient Greek thinker like Plato. Bart emphasizes the importance of asking people how they are and learning about their personal stories. He also discusses the relevance of artists in the world of AI and technology, highlighting the unique abilities of artists to explain complex concepts and provide multiple perspectives. Bart shares his favorite advice, favorite book, and favorite food. He encourages artists to not quit too early and to go all-in if they truly can’t see themselves doing anything else. He concludes by expressing his optimism for the future and the potential for a more inclusive and connected world.In this episode of Rocklaz Radio, Tanmay Shah and Laura Grinbarga discuss books and podcasts they have read and listened to. They share their favorite podcasts, such as Akimbo and Freakonomics, and talk about the benefits of reading digitally and listening to audiobooks. They recommend books like The Artist’s Way, Big Magic, and The War of Art for creative inspiration. They also discuss the importance of finding the right time to read and making notes while reading. The conversation touches on spirituality in art and the impact of books like The Alchemist and Siddhartha. They also mention books on negotiation and personal development, such as Think and Grow Rich and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including book recommendations, favorite genres, and spiritual and philosophical discussions. Some of the recommended books include ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear, ‘The Warrior’s Apprentice’ by Lois McMaster Bujold, ‘The Silver Metal Lover’ by Tanith Lee, ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Bhagavad Gita’ by Shri Shri Ravishankar, and ‘Business Sutras’ by Devdutt Patnayak. The conversation also touched on the importance of finding balance and substance in the content we consume.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Waffles
02:31 Bart’s Background and Love for Classical Music
08:10 Bart’s Journey as a Creative Entrepreneur
10:24 The Role of a Philharmonic Orchestra
29:39 Language and Classical Music
33:46 Accessing Orchestral Performances and Sustainability
35:58 The Importance of Touring and Questioning as an Artist
39:12 Fusion Projects and Respecting Different Cultures
50:31 Modernizing Sheet Music with Neo Scores
58:55 The Role of a Culture Manager
01:09:43 The Role of Subsidies in the Arts
01:14:14 The Benefits of Paying Taxes in Belgium
01:17:40 Belgium’s Government Subsidy System and Education
01:20:36 Brussels: The Capital of Europe
01:22:00 Belgian Cuisine: From Fries to Beef Stew
01:24:32 Music Festivals and Chocolates in Belgium
01:29:09 The Saxophone: A Belgian Invention
01:35:30 The Manneken Pis: A National Symbol
01:41:23 Belgium’s Beautiful Architecture
01:49:20 Lunch with Richard Strauss, Beyonce, and Plato
01:52:16 The Relevance of Artists in the Age of AI
01:56:37 Don’t Quit Too Early: Advice for Artists
02:04:16 Optimism for the Future and a Connected World
Takeaways
• Classical music transcends language and culture, and can be appreciated by anyone, regardless of their background or knowledge of the genre.
• Attending live performances of classical music can be a transformative experience, as it allows listeners to connect with the emotions and stories conveyed through the music.
• Music education plays a crucial role in fostering an appreciation for classical music and ensuring its continued relevance in society.
• The digital presence of orchestras, through platforms like YouTube, allows for greater accessibility and exposure to classical music.
• The music industry is grappling with the challenge of sustainability, and orchestras are exploring ways to reduce their carbon footprint while still reaching global audiences. Touring is important for orchestras as it allows them to learn from different cultures and environments.
• Artists should constantly question and challenge themselves to maintain their quality and avoid complacency.
• Fusion projects, especially those that combine different cultures, should be approached with respect and a willingness to understand and learn from each other.
• Neo Scores is a digital platform for sheet music that modernizes the way music is read and performed.
• As a culture manager, Bart Van der Roost bridges the gap between artists and the audience, helping to ensure that art is accessible and understood.
• Subsidies play a crucial role in supporting the arts and making cultural experiences accessible to a wider audience.
• Paying taxes in Belgium provides benefits such as security and social welfare, but there may be a need for better allocation of resources. Belgium provides subsidies for unemployment and education, supporting individuals during periods of unemployment and offering affordable education.
• The country focuses on providing good education, healthcare, and security.
• Belgium is known for its multiculturalism and open economy, with many Belgians speaking multiple languages.
• The capital, Brussels, is the capital of Europe and a hub for European organizations.
• Belgium is famous for its food, including Belgian fries and Belgian beef stew.
• The country hosts popular music festivals, such as Tomorrowland.
• The inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax, was Belgian.
• The Manneken Pis statue has become a national symbol of Belgium.
• Belgium has beautiful cities with a mix of architectural styles, from medieval to modern. Ask people how they are and show interest in their personal stories.
• Artists play a crucial role in explaining complex concepts and providing multiple perspectives.
• Don’t quit too early if you’re truly passionate about being an artist.
• The future holds the potential for a more inclusive and connected world.
• Favorite advice: Do or don’t do, there is no try.
• Favorite book: The Sorrow of Belgium.
• Favorite food: Crevettes grises (small shrimps with tomato and french fries).
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