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KEITH CLARKE'S EDITORIAL
from the current issue of CLASSICAL MUSIC
Do not adjust your sets. As you see, we've had the painters and decorators in again, and we hope that our smart new look will meet with the approval of one of the most discerning groups in the music business, the readers of Classical Music. If you like it, the bouquets go to our production designer Ben Smith. If you don't, you can blame me as usual. Either way, we are very keen to hear your comments on this and anything else to do with the music industry: letters@rhinegold.co.uk never closes, and there are no queues.
The new look heralds a number of changes on the way. Next issue we unveil our new regular spread devoted to the recording world, with artist profiles and news and reviews, taking a wide look at a side of the business that, despite the ayatollah's rumblings, has seen the future and belatedly decided to join in. This will run in every issue, as will our broadcasting coverage and book reviews, easing the blood pressure of those who have looked in vain for our alternate-issue regulars.
Other new features on the way include a five-minute interview with people around the business (stand by your phones) and a series of factfiles on the many associations, organisations and clubs that help oil the wheels of the music business. Assistant editor Tom Lydon is in charge of both of those, so if you want to throw your hat in the ring for inclusion make your way to
thomas.lydon@rhinegold.co.uk.
Other plans are still marked 'Wait and see'. One thing that does not change as we introduce new features is our commitment to giving you a comprehensive behind-the-scenes view of the music world. To borrow the language of software manufacturers, we like to think we give you the pro version, not the lite version. If you reckon we're not cutting the mustard, you have a direct line to the editor: keith.clarke@rhinegold.co.uk. Go on, my back is broad.
Who better to relaunch the good ship Classical Music than our cover star Roxanna Panufnik? Being known as 'daughter of' is always going to pose an additional challenge for a composer, yet no one can be in any doubt that this daughter of has a truly original voice of her own. While she was still in her twenties reviewers were remarking on her independence. Now she reaches a Significant Birthday with rather more tangible evidence than fine words can offer: her year sees 15 premieres in five countries, and there are a couple of dozen commission ideas making a pile on her desk. Andrew Stewart speaks to the composer on page 16.
Elsewhere in this issue, flautist Benjamin MacDougall writes another episode of his student diary. Last time we heard from him, he wrote: 'The looming object on the horizon is the end-of-year exams and my repertoire exam later in the summer term.' In the event, a rather more looming object appeared in the form of selection for BBC Television's controversial talent show Classical Star. His participation and Big Brother-style ejection at the end of the first week makes quite a story. You will find it on page 22.
If you buy music online and subscribe to any of Rhinegold's glittering array of music magazines, we can offer you a whacking great 15% discount at ScoreStore - the company that has doubled turnover within three years by adding to the high-tech wizardry some good old-fashioned service with a smile (see page 33). You can't say we don't look after you. And we're pretty, too.
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