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Just spotted an extraordinary opportunity for musicians around the globe ... how to play at Carnegie hall except practise, practise, practise?  Well there will be a lot of practising to be done BUT the popular video-sharing site YouTube offers you the once in a lifetime opportunity to becoem a member of the 'Internet Symphony" playing at Carnegie Hall in April this year under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas.  In a nutshell then,  the YouTube Symphony orchestra will be selected based on votes via the popular site and you need to download your preferred part of the work especially composed for the performance by Tan Dun,  practice, practice, practice and then upload your performance on YouTube and ta-da!  Now this is a really cool classical concept!  Hurry as thousands of entries from around the globe are expected and entries close on the 28th of January, so why not you.... apply here!

Does the start of a new year leave you feeling a little let down and floating about too?  My counter plan includes a good exercise routine which I've started already and a healthy eating plan with wholesome home made meals and smoothies to up the daily intake of fresh fruit and veg.  According to a recent British survey 'detox' products is a great marketing stunt and can't do much more to benefit your health than what the body is naturally able to do provided you feed your 'machine' well and look after the old bod when it comes to water intake and ample rest!  Good luck with those resolutions - this year I'd like to join an animal charity ....

J.

Many moons ago I gained respect for the art of playing the violin well as I scraped my way through a couple of UNISA exams. Come to think of it,  did surprisingly well considering the little time devoted to practising. The art of the violin interfered with various other important social activities such as horse riding lessons,  tennis, youth choir practice and my other music activities and instruments.  A list of favourite international violinists include Joshua Bell, Maxim Vengerov, Nigel Kennedy (love his jazz works) and Sarah Chang – she is very wow!  Recently hosted a very interesting chat with Zanta Hofmeyr as she premiered a wonderful work for the violin by SA composer Hendrik Hofmeyr at Aardklop (still have to go there one year).  Apart from our love for the instrument when its is well handled,  we share a few other passions too: tai-chi, gardening and in particular roses ( I don’t have a rose named after me,  yet …) Have a look www.zantahofmeyr.co.za, and by the by,  all the ‘Hofmeyrs’ are related in some way, that is Zanta, Malane, Hendrik and Steve!

Over the past few years 'Smooth Classics' has become a wonderful tool in combating stressful Gauteng city life on a daily basis. Not only does the programme focus specifically on a particularly gentle mood and easy listening but you're sure to find a rare musical gem somewhere in music mix too. Recently the show has been moved to a slightly later starting time and now allows you to wrap up the day with soothing, relaxed listeneing supported by one or two interesting facts about the music. Perfect bedside listening or night easing off.