Zlatomir Fung, 17, won the cello section in Bucharest last night with a performance of Enesco’s Symphonie Concertante, opus 8. His prize is 15,000 Euros and a stack of concerto dates.

The jury was chaired by David Geringas.

Second was Anastasia Kobekina (Russia), 22. Third: Mon Puo Lee (Spain), also 22.

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Here’s how he played earlier this summer.

In a review today in the Wall Street Journal, I argue that the greatest success of the Venezuelan education system is its global branding. But many of its claims for social improvement lack verifiable substance and the system’s slogans have alarming echoes of Soviet education in Stalin’s day.

Sample:
Although El Sistema is not overtly political, its slogan is “to play and to struggle,” with an emphasis on “hard work” and “joy,” slogans that echo Soviet collectivization. Its dogma is equality and inclusion, and its methods involve teaching children in groups to play rhythms, read notes and cooperate with one another. “In ensemble they learn collegiality as an incubator for selfhood within community…”

Read the full review here.
abreu dudamel

The minister of culture Audrey Azoulay has announced a five percent increase in state arts subsidy in 2017.

She confirmed a statement of President Hollande in July that culture would be a priority in the election year, which may be his last chance to leave a legacy.

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