Author - Tony Woodcock

1
The Importance of Music: Why It’s My Passion
2
Ruggiero Ricci: A Tribute
3
Guest Blogger: Jose Luis Hernandez-Estrada
4
George: A tribute
5
The Cuckoo Clock
6
Deep Song
7
Deep Song by Tony Woodcock
8
Guest Blogger: Joseph Swensen
9
Unleashed
10
Guest Blogger: Paul Judy

The Importance of Music: Why It’s My Passion

As my love for the art form grew and grew, my need for it began to dominate my school life until one day it erupted as one of those tearful confessions you see in Hollywood movies.

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Ruggiero Ricci: A Tribute

By Tony Woodcock The great American violinist Ruggiero Ricci died this week at the age of 94.  I had the great privilege of seeing Ricci perform many times and of working with him on countless occasions. The first time I saw him live I was a boy of 14 with very “sophisticated” tastes.  His programme,[…]

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Guest Blogger: Jose Luis Hernandez-Estrada

Jose Luis Hernandez-Estrada is a member of the third class of The Sistema Fellows at New England Conservatory. An accomplished pianist and conductor, he studied at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona, and the … Continue reading

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George: A tribute

Just about one year ago, I wrote an entry to this blog in which I praised the continuing acuteness, love of life, intellectual curiosity, and wonderful humor of my friend George—aged 99. To me, he was a real-life hero. My … Continue reading

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The Cuckoo Clock

Years ago there was an interview with the great British film director Alfred Hitchcock about a movie that he always wanted to make but never quite did. The movie is set at La Scala Milan, the great opera house of … Continue reading

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Deep Song

Amy Winehouse’s death just a few months ago was a great tragedy and has deprived us of a unique voice and creative spirit. Her career was brief, meteoric, self-destructive and full of moments of amazing achievement. The response that she was able to command from her fans was at once affirming and provocative and in[…]

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Deep Song by Tony Woodcock

Deep Song Amy Winehouse’s death just a few months ago was a great tragedy and has deprived us of a unique voice and creative spirit. Her career was brief, meteoric, self-destructive and full of moments of amazing achievement. The response … Continue reading

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Guest Blogger: Joseph Swensen

“Violinist/conductor Joseph Swensen is the Founder and Artistic Director of U-HAC International; Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Advisor of Ensemble Orchestral de Paris; and Conductor Emeritus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra. As a violinist he has recorded the Beethoven Violin Concerto with Andre Previn … Continue reading

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Unleashed

I am sure we’ve all had evenings when we arrive home from work exhausted and brain-dead, not having the energy or concentration to do anything more than switch on the TV and go semi-conscious.  And of course, sleep comes pretty … Continue reading

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Guest Blogger: Paul Judy

For over 70 years, since a boy, I have been an engaged and passionate listener of classical music.  For over 40 years I have had an affiliation with a major symphony orchestra organization, and for the last half of that … Continue reading

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