Save RNZ Concert
Recently, it was announced that RNZ would be axing RNZ Concert from it's FM airwaves and replacing it with "something for the youths".
Like many other NZ creatives I do not support this decision.
As New Zealand's last bastion of classical and orchestral music the downgrade would be a considerable loss for culture and the arts.
Indeed it may be so that many youth are not interested in classical music the likes of Beethoven or Mozart, but there are many others who are (such as myself). However, that does not mean there is no demand for modern-day alternatives to the pop and rock stations of current. As times have changed, so too has orchestral music. I know many young Kiwis who keep playlists of film, video game and ambient orchestral music for study or leisure. Whilst classical music in its truest sense may certainly be out of current fashion, it's modern-day successor is well and truly alive in the likes of Hans Zimmer and John Williams.
If change must be made to RNZ Concert, then at least begin by diversifying its offerings. As an orchestral music offering, it must remain on the higher-quality FM channels. Shutting down all of its major operations will do nothing for the community of listeners and artists but send it into decline. New Zealand needs to do more to foster the arts, not less.
I urge Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Broadcasting Minister Hon Kris Faafoi MP to take action.
It would be a sad day when Beethoven's fifth no longer reverberates through the air.
I invite you all to sign the petition to Save RNZ Concert: http://chng.it/Jn2G7VdFmD
These are my thoughts off the top of my head.
The news made me think of my own Fantastia in Fm. The piece commemorates loss, which definitely applies here on a national scale. You can listen to the intro minute above, in tribute to RNZ Concert (if the HD doesn't work, try YouTube: https://youtu.be/F3_EecV6ioY).
Kia kaha,
Camiel