The Arts Salon

Nicolas Bejarano
  • 5.0 (11)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Arts Salon

Hosted by Nicolás Bejarano, the Arts Salon invites interesting voices in the music industry and other arts to discuss topics that escape the technicalities of art making in favor of the artistic process and output themselves.

  1. Episode 67: Breaking the Arc: Art, History, and the Illusion of Progress

    FEB 28

    Episode 67: Breaking the Arc: Art, History, and the Illusion of Progress

    This episode of The Arts Salon is an exploration of the philosophical tensions between historical inevitability and artistic freedom. We delve into the ideas of Hegel and Hume, questioning whether art follows a predetermined arc of progress or exists on a more fluid and open-ended plane. Through the lens of Picasso’s insights on artistic creation, the episode challenges the notion that innovation requires rejection of the past. Instead, it argues that framing art within rigid historical narratives distorts its purpose and limits its potential. In a world where artistic movements often define themselves in opposition to what came before, this episode asks: Does pursuing progress in art sometimes do more harm than good?

    36 min
  2. Episode 66: Ben Neill, Diffusing Music: trajectories of sonic democratization

    FEB 10

    Episode 66: Ben Neill, Diffusing Music: trajectories of sonic democratization

    I hope you enjoyedmy talk with Håkan Hardenbeger! Today,Ben Neill returns to The Arts Salon to discuss his new book,Diffusing Music: Trajectories of Sonic Democratization! This book explores the diffusion and democratization of music in our current era through the proliferation of digital technologies. Music has become ubiquitous and increasingly intertwined with everyday life, rendering previous models of creation, performance, and consumption obsolete. Neill explores how technology is reshaping music, enabling unprecedented levels of creativity and transforming how we share and experience sound. From digital tools that let anyone become a music maker to AI systems that write, mix, and master songs, Neill breaks down how these advancements empower creators and reshape the relationship between artists and audiences. Part history, part personal story, and part look at what’s next; Diffusing Music is a must-read for anyone curious about the future of music. For more of Ben on The Arts Salon, listen toepisode 22. For more of my thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and its effect on the music industry, listen toepisode 63 of the podcast.

    1h 28m
  3. Episode 65: Håkan Hardenberger, what does it mean to be an interpreter?

    JAN 20

    Episode 65: Håkan Hardenberger, what does it mean to be an interpreter?

    Håkan Hardenberger returns to the Arts Salon to share his thoughts on what it means to be an interpreter of music and how cultural consumption informs his artistic process. If you have not listened to episode 64, I highly encourage you to do so, as it serves as a primer for this conversation. I hope you enjoy it!

    1h 12m

  4. JAN 6

    Episode 64: You Are What You Eat: The importance of cultural input for good interpretation

    In this episode of The Arts Salon, we prepare for our conversation about interpretation with international soloist Håkan Hardenberger! We talk about how universities and conservatories are failing their student bodies, and how artists can improve the quality of their cultural consumption and bolster their artistic education. For a transcript of this read, visit my website.

    26 min

  5. 11/20/2024

    Episode 63: Artificial Intelligence and Artistry vs. Craft

    In this episode, I deal with the debate surrounding the role of AI in the creative industries, which exposes deeper tensions within society regarding labor, creativity, and human value. Join me in exploring the distinctions between craft and art and the complications that we face in the creative economy. To hear more from Jan Swafford listen to my talk with him. If you would like a transcript of this episode you can find it on my website.

    34 min
  6. Episode 62: Is prioritizing innovation over insitutional health more important when choosing leaders?

    09/23/2024

    Episode 62: Is prioritizing innovation over insitutional health more important when choosing leaders?

    On this episode of "The Arts Salon," we explore the current challenges facing cultural organizations like classical music presenters, museums, and non-profits. With programs shrinking, ticket sales declining, and costs rising, many institutions are looking for new leadership to navigate these troubled times. The prevailing thought is that entrepreneurial leaders—akin to founders—are the answer, promising to reshape organizations with visionary zeal. But is this approach the right fit for long-established institutions with rich histories? We dive into the allure of charismatic leaders who draw comparisons to figures like Steve Jobs, and discuss why hiring individuals who prioritize their own visions over institutional continuity can be risky. We'll examine the importance of balancing innovation with tradition and why the hard work behind true innovation often gets overlooked. Using Edmund Burke’s social contract as a lens, we discuss how thoughtful, gradual change can preserve an organization’s ethos for future generations, as opposed to radical, disruptive shifts that risk undermining an institution’s very foundation. Join us as we unpack the complexities of leadership in the arts and consider what it means to be a true custodian of cultural heritage in today’s challenging landscape.

    30 min
  7. Episode 61: Geoff Baker & Catalina Lobo-Guerrero, Venezuela and El Sistema

    06/30/2024

    Episode 61: Geoff Baker & Catalina Lobo-Guerrero, Venezuela and El Sistema

    Find a comfy chair or get ready for that drive...this is a long one! Today we have Geoff Baker and Catalina Lobo-Gerrero to discuss the complex subject of Venezuela and it's "El Sistema." If you remember my episode demystifying Cuban propaganda, you will know I have a deep suspicion of programs that emerge from undemocratic regimes. Catalina, a prominent journalist and author of Los Restos de la Revolución, will be our guide to understanding the context of Venezuela's political disaster and why it is a failed state generating more refugees than Syria. This one-hour political primer will set the stage for my conversation about "El Sistema" with Geoff Baker. Geoff is a phenomenal musicologist and the author of El Sistema: Orchestrating Venezuela's Youth, which documents the problematic political and philosophical nature of El Sistema as an engine of social change. Hope you enjoy this long episode, the juice IS worth the squeeze!

    2h 52m
  8. Episode 60: Revisiting Tom Stevens & Håkan Hardenberger, reflections from my first ITG

    06/10/2024

    Episode 60: Revisiting Tom Stevens & Håkan Hardenberger, reflections from my first ITG

    In this episode, I discuss my visit to the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) conference. I was there for two events: a panel honoring the late Tom Stevens and a recital by Håkan Hardenberger and Roland Pöntinen. This episode is a reflection on Stevens' efforts to elevate the trumpet beyond flashy technical pieces, and his plight to create a catalog of new music for trumpet players. I also discuss Hardenberger’s performance highlighting Stevens' influence and contributions, reinforcing his enduring impact on the trumpet world.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Hosted by Nicolás Bejarano, the Arts Salon invites interesting voices in the music industry and other arts to discuss topics that escape the technicalities of art making in favor of the artistic process and output themselves.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicolas Bejarano
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nicolas Bejarano

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