Letter: the lies behind the cuts

Writing a LetterDear Editor

Councils and all public organisations have had drastic funding cuts, leading to a reduction in service provision. Funding cuts have been imposed on other organisations that provide necessary additional services to the public in many forms; these organisations rely heavily on volunteers, backed up by a few paid staff working to their physical limits.

If the policy of funding cuts continues, community structures are in danger of breaking down; vital services will not be available, leading to more privatisation taking place – for which, of course, you have to pay.

All money is raised through taxation, VAT, etc., which in turn should be used to fund services: political policy closing services is in fact making people pay twice for services. We are told ‘the country cannot afford them’, but as you know not millions but BILLIONS of pounds are being made in profits: disgraceful, disgusting amounts being paid to individuals who could hardly have earned such amounts – let alone spend it! And this at a time the public is being told a charge may be made in future for a doctor’s  appointment and some treatments.

We are told repeatedly the country cannot afford it; the German fascist propaganda minister Dr Goebbels said: ‘If you tell a lie, tell a big one, over and over again, then people will start to believe it’.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Orchestra to bring world music message to Edinburgh

The best in classical music returns to Edinburgh this month. The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mozart and Tchaikovsky in the wonderful setting of St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place on Tuesday 29 July at 7.30pm  … 

6-Edinburgh

CPC-printphoto-2013After successful European tours in 2013 the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne (Germany) is coming back to Edinburgh this summer with a powerful and lovely new programme.

“Classical music the world over” – this is the motto of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne. It is irrelevant for our musicians whether they are playing in a little village church, in the open air, in Cologne Cathedral or in the Sydney Opera House – their enthusiasm to play music is the same every time.

The objective is simple – we want to inspire as many people as possible across all generations to enjoy classical music. The popularity of our ensemble is reflected in the fact that the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne gives around 300 concerts a year around the globe and listeners throughout the world look forward to a musical encounter with our exceptionally talented musicians.

The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne was founded in the city whose name they bear: Cologne. The city that is famous throughout the world for its University of Music and its musical and instrumental teaching. Generations of musicians have been trained here for many decades who, in terms of their musicality, are unparalleled around the world. Taking advantage of this pool of talent, a stock of outstanding musicians has accrued that in a changing cast of musicians take our motto across the world.

Since November 2009, the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne has a very special partner at their side – the Mercedes-Benz Centre in Cologne. As part of a creative cooperation, this world renowned company, via its branch in Cologne, thrilled by our musical concept provides the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne with a comfortable tour bus. It enables our musicians to travel quickly and comfortably to the many varied concert locations. In return, the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne, in close cooperation with the Mercedes-Benz Center Cologne, organises special concerts for the car company’s special customers. The remarkable construction of the Mercedes-Benz Center is transformed in the process into a really top-class concert palace. This results in the smell of new cars mixing with the sounds of classical music.

The Chamber Philharmonia Cologne is at home all over the world. Our tours regularly take us to New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland and many other countries – and of course to Germany. In this context, the selection of works and soloists takes on a special significance. The multifaceted composition of the ensemble provides every member of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne with the opportunity to perform as a soloist.

The permanently expanding repertoire of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne consists primarily of hand-picked pieces. The real appeal of our programme lies in the meeting of popular and unknown works from a wide variety of musical epochs. This sees familiar greats like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi in dialogue with works from people such as Sergei Prokofieff through to the “King of Tango” Astor Piazzolla. This mix promises great diversity of the very highest order, without us having to preach to the audience in the process. After all, music is for entertainment and not for instruction!

To inspire people across the world to enjoy classical music – that’s what we view as our maxim!

Quite simply: Classical music the world over!

6-Edinburgh

Chamber Philharmonia Cologne 2014

Let the good times roll! Jazz and Blues Festival kicks off tomorrow

jazzEdinburgh’s annual Jazz and Blues Festival kicks off tomorrow and promises ten terrific days and nights of top class jazz.

There’s something for all tastes and big names performing at this year’s event include the ever-popular Jools Holland with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra (Mel C guesting), Scotland’s Queen of the Blues Maggie Bell and Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott.

With over 140 concerts to choose from you really are spoilt for choice and Brian Fallon, who chairs the Jazz & Blues Festival, is particularly excited about this year’s programme. He said: ““This is a very exciting year for the Festival. We’re delighted to be bringing to Scotland some of the world’s finest jazz and blues talent and some of our biggest names to date. Our programme has been carefully selected to appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, and we look forward to welcoming friends, old and new. Come along and join in the fun!”

You’ve got your invitation – so what are you waiting for?

For further information about what’s on, click on the link below

EJF2014

or check out www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

Edinburgh-Jazz-Blues-Festival-logo

 

Mmmmmm … great!