The Naked Nexus of Music and Politics

In 1997, after years of international protests, the Vienna Philharmonic voted to admit women members. This appeared to bring to an end the orchestra's 150 year old tradition of being an all-male ensemble. In advance of tonight's WNYC broadcast of the Vienna Philharmonic live from Carnegie Hall, a look at this complex nexis of social change and musical tradition. Guests will include William Osborne, an American, Germany-based composer and musicologist who has led the campaign to encourage the VPO to admit women; and his wife, Abbie Conant, former principal trombonist for the Munich Philharmonic as well as Los Angeles Times music critic Mark Swed. Then on to China, when music journalist Ken Smith and musicologist Joanna Lee stop by to talk about the intermingling of music and politics at the five year old China Philharmonic.

» Statement for WNYC's Soundcheck from Vienna Philharmonic (PDF)
Additional Information:
» More about William Osborne and Abbie Conant
» The Vienna Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall
» Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Live from Carnegie Hall, on WNYC