Classical - but which Classical?

Manchester Camerata's current season is all about musical exchanges, and we've seen plenty of that over the last few months, not least with the contribution by composer Bushra El Turk to Camerata's January Mahler concert Das Lied von der Erde (Hear Podcast with Bushra by clicking here). Her piece Mosaic was a true fusion of Middle East and West. But Classical music is riddled with world influences. With the rise of economies such as China, Brazil and India is it any wonder that musical styles from these areas are finding a home in today's compositions. Have a listen to Jose Guillermo Puello - one of the young composers who successful workshopped their pieces at this year's Manchester Composer's event in our podcast - discussing the South American infliences in his piece to be premiered by Manchester Camerata on 22 May in Stafford and 23 May in Manchester. The blogospehere is alive at the moment with an appreciation of the role of Ravi Shankar in Western music - not least with the Beatles. Some orchestras have even set up smaller ensembles to 'play' with this Indian 'Classical' music. The Classical scene - probably as it always has been - is a true melting pot.