Foxy,
I’m in contact with a number of people in the UK and colour is very much an issue as is ethnic origins, far more so than in Australia.

Can there be anything more racist than an all-Black classical symphony orchestra.

Dear Hasbeen,

There's probably little chance of that happening in
any world that we know. In all major American
orchestras only 1.8% of the musicians are black.
A statistic that does not touch the field of talent
that's available.

I read the story of the principal harpist of the
Boston Symphony Orchestra - when starting the harp
at age 14, was taunted by schoolmates with -

"You can't do that - only angels play the harp, and who ever
heard of a black angel?"

It may also be of interest to learn that some of the most
beautiful singing operatic voices belong to black people
and they are initially only offered the roles of -
Porgy in Gershwin's opera, or Otello in Verdi's.

We're told that classical music had a race problem -
20 years ago. And it still does.

There's more at the following link:

http://wbur.org/cognoscenti/2020/07/22/classical-music-racism-linda-katherine-cutting

Foxy,

All anyone should ask is that people are chosen based on merit. Apparently, that is a racist concept.

shadow minister,

I totally agree - it should be based on merit.
However, the sad reality is that it's not for some.
I know this may be difficult for some of us to
understand never having experienced this kind of
prejudice ourselves.

Hi Foxy,

Some very good posts from you as usual, thanks for your much valued input on this topic. Yes, the rabid right does become unhinged whenever they think their position of white privilege is under threat from the undeserving lower classes, and black people.

Playing in this particular orchestra, or one similar, would be a prestigious engagement for any classical musician. The proposition that entry be based on "merit", and in an ideal world that would be the goal, is a noble ambition. Unfortunately its not a level playing field for all aspiring classical musicians, and for those who never got out of the starting blocks. Obviously if one comes from a position of privilege, where one has gone to the best of schools, with a fine music department, and with supportive parents providing private lessons and financial support etc, and having the right connections, one being a very accomplished musician at the end of all that, one could find oneself playing in this prestigious orchestra for life, or even longer.