Can classical music change lives? In Soul Music, novelist Candace Allen embarks on a personal journey that takes her from the streets of London and Scotland to Venezuela, where the Sistema scheme has offered thousands of young people a route out of the ghetto mentality through virtuoso musical training, bringing global fame to the charismatic conductor Gustavo Dudamel; to Ramallah, and Daniel Barenboim's East-West Divan Orchestra in which young Israelis and Palestinians play side-by-side.

About the Author
Candace Allen is a novelist and was the first African-American female member of the Directors Guild of America. Race and music are an integral part of her life, from Miles Davis's close friendship with her father, to her marriage to Simon Rattle and political activism in the 60s and for Obama.

Reviews
'How it feels to be free... So powerful... She reveals much about what lies at the heart of any journey into so-called classical music.' Guy Dammann, New Statesman 'Formidable.' Evening Standard 'Intriguing and sometimes disturbing series of reflections on the interplay of race and music, particularly western music... Enthralled by her grasp of the educational subtleties of El Sistema... There is much food for contemplation and much for confrontation.' Norman Lebrecht 'Thoughtful and passionate and needs to be read.' Alan Davey, Chief Executive Arts Council England. 'The most interesting book to date on the subject of social music projects... passion, zeal and candour...will appeal and infuriate.' Marshall Marcus, Director Southbank Centre's Sistema Research Programme



Book Information
ISBN 9781908096210
Author Candace Allen
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Gibson Square Books Ltd
Publisher Gibson Square Books Ltd