Treble clefs have no interest in racism or sexism. But today, even The Rite of Spring, were it submitted for a grant or commission awarded by panelists kept deliberately nameless, could face rejection for appropriating the culture of ancient Russian pagans. It would amount to nothing more than grist for grievance-studies academics
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s administration, so financially embattled during the pandemic, stood down its musicians in 2020 to avoid bankruptcy. The same orchestra now offers discount tickets for Aboriginal patrons, plus those of Iroquois, Itza, Inuit and any other what-have-you descent. It is a tokenistic, infantilising and totally reprehensible gesture