Religion and Ethics Forum
General Category => Politics & Current Affairs => Topic started by: Harrowby Hall on July 16, 2017, 10:39:56 PM
-
Yes, in the Politics section.
At the end of his concert with a German orchestra playing English music, Daniel Barenboim stood on the conductor's podium in the Royal Albert Hall and gave an overtly political speech exhorting unity and not division. He spoke with passion and conviction. He tried not to be too obvious about the UK's current relationship with the EU, but it was clear that that was the driving force behind his message.
The audience reacted positively in its response - I could hear no dissent. He and his orchestra then gave an inspiring and passionate performance of Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1.
Should we expect public figures to participate in public debate? Barenboim has already tried to be a unifying influence in the Middle East with his orchestra composed of Israeli and Palestinian players.
-
Artists should have opinions and use their art to express them, that's what they do.
We might be influenced by them but we also are free to disagree.