How things have changed

Here's an interesting retrospective on changes in the classical music world over the last 10 years trhough an interview between Anne Midgette, music critic Washington Post, and Tom Huizenga, music critic NPR.  Almost all of the topics discussed involve the difference that the internet has made on music from availability to changing tastes.  I think her arguement that musical tastes are becoming more catholic is true in a fashion.  I'm not sure that people's tastes are changing to incorporate a melding of classical and other (rock, country, jazz) styles.  I think that it's more likely that people have always had these tastes, but now this music is more available.  The widening of what is appropriate in a concert setting, or even what is a concert setting always for greater enjoyment in the classical arts.  I also think that her message on branding is very timely and important.  The classical groups who reach out to the community and rebrand themselves as exciting, open or new offer more to today's audience.  She mentions the changing role of critics and the decent from the ivory tower of good taste as well.  Her section on Classical Radio though made me think that the organizations who are more open to the community should start doing classical radio.  Truly, most classical radio contains repeats of the greatest hits with an emphasis on soporific pieces.  With new and interesting material at hand, it may be another way for more avant garde programming to reach the audience.