Whenever I hear Far Eastern music, I notice how unfamiliar it is to me. Conversely, it makes me wonder how audiences in those countries approach our music.
But then, I experience the audiences’ enthusiasm first-hand as during this year’s tour of the Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra through Taiwan, China, Japan, and South Korea – sometimes louder, sometimes quieter, depending on local custom, but always with great intensity –, and there is no doubt: We do succeed in conveying positive feelings to our listeners, in reaching their hearts and emotions, and in making their lives – at least for a brief time – a bit happier, more livable, conscious, and therefore better!
And that is what art and culture have been doing since the dawn of time: Filling lives with joy and with meaning. They are staples, food for our souls! Let us never forget that.