Loyal readers of this space will know that over the years I have proudly tallied the number of countries from which our students have come. My point then was that the Aspen Music Festival and School is a magnet for the most talented music students from around the world.
This year, something new. Our international reach has taken on a new, exciting dimension: AMFS concerts will go out to the world via streaming, live over the Internet, free. Parents as far away as Seoul and Cape Town will be able to watch their sons and daughters playing in our orchestras and attending master classes. In real time.
Thanks to Ann B. Friedman and John Bucksbaum, who made a generous grant in honor of their father, Matthew Bucksbaum. Beginning last Friday and continuing for 10 days, our music will be streamed, available to audiences, live and on demand, throughout the world. Do go to www.medici.tv, an online musical performance site based in Paris.
These webcasts will have several effects, all of them good. Streaming gives millions access to classical music for the first time. Gifted students who have never heard of Aspen (if there are any!) will be seduced by the music they hear being performed; others will be tempted by the variety of programming. Stars and newcomers in the musical world will seek us out to come teach our 750 or so students. And, of course, there is the more general aspect that these webcasts will add to the allure of Aspen for the general tourist. We — the city, the students and faculty and the music — all benefit. We owe all the Bucksbaums a major vote of thanks.
Cita Stelzer is a member of the AMFS National Council.
