No, this isn’t about synchronized conducting but as I’m watching the opening ceremony for the Olympics in Beijing, I wonder what part classical music (the Western European variety) will play in this year’s games. I know the Cincinnati Pops is in Beijing to officially take part in planned entertainment events but is anyone aware of any other orchestras who are taking part (regardless of nationality)?
Regardless, I’ll be happy with the games if they don’t use that dreadful version of the Star Spangle Banner for medal ceremonies (or replace it with anything as equally dreadful).
Drew, have the Area 51 band do an arrangement and send it to NBC. Could it be any worse than what you have heard?
Probably not, but if I remember correctly from the previous Olympics, the organization hires a single composer to write arrangements for all of the national anthems. To me, that seems like an unusual arrangement (no pun intended). If anyone can offer more details, I’d love to learn more about how that works. ~ Drew McManus
The Cincinnati Pops is the only orchestra from outside of China performing as part of the 2008 Olympic festivities.
Drew, have the Area 51 band do an arrangement and send it to NBC. Could it be any worse than what you have heard?