The summer holidays are in. And for children who prefer the fiddle to toys, the Forbidden City Concert Hall is the place to be. Sunday night saw a concert devoted to the infamous 18th century Austrian composer, Wolfgang Mozart. It set in motion a 35-day music extravaganza. Wielding the baton was Donald Portnoy, one of America's most dynamic and inspiring conductors. Remember: Mozart played his first complete piano piece before he was five years old, and Portnoy first got his hands on a violin at the age of seven. So, young musicians take note -- it's never too soon to start.
Children of all ages swarmed into the Forbidden City Concert Hall -- not a common sight for the prestigious music center.
These chubby-faced musicians displayed seriousness beyond their age as they welcomed people into the theatre with drums and trumpets. The noisy band contrasted with the hush that fell over the young audience once they were inside.
Opening the night was the First Act of Mozart's great comedy Le Nozze Di Figaro -- the Marriage of Figaro. Why Mozart? Because he's a man remembered as much for his childhood genius as his brilliance as an adult composer. Music such as his inspires young music lovers.
Donald Portnoy gave a brilliant performance, despite feeling a little under par. Having organized the training of future conductors in several cities around China, including Beijing and Xi'an, Portnoy says everybody should be given the chance to enjoy music.
Donald Portnoy, conductor, said, "Whether you become a professional musician or not, it's a wonderful thing to have. And then if you decide you want to be a musician, you need to start young."
Charlie Chaplin wrote in his memoir that among all the people he'd met, he liked musicians most. I agree with him and want music to be part of my daughter's life.
"Open the Door of Music -- Summer Holiday Concert Series" has seen over 500 shows since it began, 10 years ago. And this has been an extra special year, with tickets given out to kids who could otherwise not afford to go, but who still harbor a love of music.
(CCTV.com July 13, 2004)
