Richard Rodzinski was given a lifetime achievement award today by the World Federation of International Music Competitions, a body not altogether above suspicion.

Richard, however, is.

He built up the Van Cliburn competition over 24 years int an international powerhouse and then transformed Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Competition into a model of transparency.

His first prize is well deserved.

The pianist has posted an exercise video during the course of a long lay-off from playing.

The Guardian newspaper has published its annual list of best places to study music.

Oxford comes top.

Then, unexpectedly, the University of Surrey – perhaps because it offers seven different music courses, including one paired with mathematics and another with acting.

The national conservatoires then follow, but not all of them.

Scotland is shockingly ranked 50th.

Read here.

The Rio newspaper O Globo reports that rare and unknown works for guitar by the Brazilian composer Francisco Mignone – second in importance to Heitor Villa Lobos – were found in a rubbish dump in Buenos Aires in 2009.

They have just come to light as a result of being cited in a doctoral dissertation.

This appears to be a world premiere performance.

We reported a while back that the presidential candidate was taking lessons with the baritone Jean-Philippe Lafont.

Apparently, it’s now acknowledged in political circles that the artists helped him tone down the rants and sound more presidential.

Maybe he’ll get an overseas call from M. Corbyn.

Latest madcap video from one half of Igudesman-and-Joo:

Events at Fort Worth, where concert hall staff this week threw out the music director for carrying a musical instrument, should prompt a review of front-of-house customer care at every music facility on earth.

Fort Worth, having kicked out the maestro, just keeps on kicking.

Here’s a statement overnight from Dione Kennedy, president and CEO of Performing Arts Fort Worth: ‘Mr. Harth-Bedoya is aware of our security procedures, including the bag admittance program that went into effect January 17. All four resident companies — Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and the Cliburn — were made aware of the security enhancements well in advance of implementation and given the opportunity to share with staff, artists and patrons.’

The customer in Fort Worth’s Bass Hall is always in the wrong and musicians are admitted at their own risk.

So how’s it in your hall?

Frigid as Fort Worth?

From an interview with Berlin’s principal oboe, Jonathan Kelly:

‘The Berlin Philharmonic is actually the easiest orchestra in the world to play in, because you are surrounded by such active and committed musicians. You feel constantly carried along by a wave of communication and activity.’

Full interview here.

The incoming president of the New York Philharmonic told it as it is to the new crop of emerging musicians:

‘Orchestras can no longer rely on old-fashioned subscription models. Music education is not guaranteed in public schools, and in a positive sense the entire history of classical music can all be streamed online for free. So the world I knew, and have worked in, and will continue to work in will not be the one you move through in your careers.’

Read more here from Peter Dobrin.

First responses to the event where the music director was thrown out of Bass Hall for carrying his daughter’s violin and many others were similarly inconvenienced by over-zealous security:

From the Youth Orchestra: ‘As the FWYO Orchestra Manager, this and other bizarre policies made last night’s enormous production of five ensembles and 300 kids a logistical nightmare!’

From Dennis Buber, FWSO bass trombone: ‘A prime example of the lunacy inflicted not only on my FWSO colleagues but concert goers as well, ever since the management of Bass Hall initiated their draconian “security” measures this season. Folks, this isn’t security, this is harassment, pure and simple, and another case of a clueless management drunk on their own power. It is audience members who are inconvenienced as well…no large bags, ladies’ purses are searched for food and drink… Welcome To The Concert. Enjoy The Show.’

From Fort Worth Youth Orchestra director Lee Warren : ‘I cannot even speak my disdain for the security rulings at Bass Hall. We were told children with their instrument cases might “harm the fabric on the chairs in the audience chamber” and “might scratch the marble in the lobby”. Really? I do not think those issues involve any security at all! Our percussionists were told they could not bring in their mallet bags. Meanwhile, the cases going backstage are not searched. Once backstage, you can easily access the audience chamber. So anyone who really wanted to do harm could easily get through simply by going through the stage door. They have no concern about the needs of symphonic music. None.’

And this from a parent, Erika Michelle Keswick: ‘This actually happened to my son last night. It was after his performance and he was waiting to be directed to the seats to watch the final group play. After waiting quite a while he felt anxious and followed a group of kids who “looked like they knew where to go” and ended up outside. He realized his mistake and tried to get back in the door and explained to the security. They refused to let him back inside. And he wasn’t the only kid standing on the street at night with his instrument that wasn’t allowed back in. Thankfully, I had my cell on so he was able to contact me. But my whole family had to leave early and we did not get to watch the higher symphony play because we couldn’t leave him standing on the street. We paid $$ to see him and the entire show, and his seat with his group was to be complimentary, but security said he must have a ticket to get back in, which he did not have since he was performing. It was a hard first Bass Hall night for us all.’

At lunch today with the Mayor of London’s music fund, we heard from Benjamin who had been living with his mother and brother in a rundown hostel after they were made homeless. Benjamin was failing at school, had no friends because he could not bring them home and was deeply unhappy.

Then a teacher put a violin in his hand and the fund paid for lessons. Now 11, Benjamin has passed grade 4 with distinction, is playing in several orchestras and has won a scholarship for maths.

‘I was in love with the violin the first time I picked it up,’ said Benjamin. ‘I wouldn’t have known the joy of playing the violin without the scholarship. My dream is to be a professional violinist.’ His mother, Corinne, described how their family life was transformed. She was able to get a job as a bus driver, knowing that Benjamin was safe at his orchestral practice.

The Fund has helped 400 kids like Benjamin since Boris Johnson got behind it in 2011. Now Mayor Sadiq Khan is backing the scheme with equal vigour.

Music can change lives. We saw for ourselves.

You can help here.

The house has reported it took just 67 percent of potential box-office revenue in the season just ending.

Peter Gelb is putting on the best possible spin, claiming 80,000 new ticket buyers, but wit the glass one-third empty there’s not much to brag about.

Why has New York deserted the Met? Look no further than your nearest multiplex screen.