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Hello Benjamin, We met this morning at our neighborhood corner market. I had been telling you how much I enjoyed your TED lecture. What I failed All the best! Warmly, J Jerald Harscher Author of the forthcoming book: http://thepoisedguitarist.com/ Hello, My name is Diego Morales. I attended your performance with the YPO and James Kim. It was my first concert and also what I believe is the beginning of my interest in classical music. I was invited by my closest friend Timothy Crough. He had always tried to explain the depth of the music he played but I had never absorbed it as much as I should have. I had been looking forward to seeing him play and I was completely devastated when I heard that he had missed the dress rehearsal. I was soon filled with joy when he told me that you had called him. Thank you for that. For the primary reason I am emailing you is to thank you for inspiring me. Friday night brought me to the climax of my emotions. I was literally crying after listening to Mahlers 10th because of the realization that music can portray a message a lot more powerful than actual words. I have never felt this much powerful emotion before. I have a new passion for music after that night. Thank you again, Diego Morales Jr. Mahler and cardiac arrhythmias (Click to reply)
submitted: 6/22/2010 1:41 PM by: Steven D Douglas M.D. It was thrilling to hear your lecture and performance of Mahler's Ninth The repetitive "thump-thump " throughout the Third seems to echo the I will be most grateful for your comments and interpretation. Many thanks in advance and for your magnificent performance in Boston.I Ver cordially, Steve Douglas Steven D Douglas M.D. I had a wonderful evening last Friday being transported to Watford for an incredible musical performance and a superb technical recording. Thank you again for providing this experience and John Allen for making the connection. Best regards, I don't know if you remember me, but you sang Happy Birthday to me in Brussels on the 2006 YOA tour and changed my life with that talk you gave. Anyways, I just want to let you know that your spirit still resonates inside me to this day. THANK YOU for everything you give to the world. I live in Boston now, so hopefully our paths will cross soon!! Much love, White Sheet from a prospective Zander Fellow (Click to reply)
submitted: 5/7/2010 5:34 PM by: benjamin zander Dear Ben, I came home late this week after my first trip to Boston and the highlight was no doubt the Boston Philharmonic concert on Sunday afternoon. This was a concert I will always remember, both for the passionate, high-quality music making from beginning to end and for the incredible example of what is possible when envisioning a better concert experience. Last Saturday night, I walked into my apartment in Philadelphia at 11:30pm after arriving by plane from a trip to Houston. I had a train ticket leaving at 5:15am the following morning for the explicit reason of attending the BPO concert on Sunday afternoon. But by the time I finished repacking it was almost 2 o’clock in the morning, and then I of course couldn’t fall asleep! My trip, however, was not an option: I wanted to see this final BPO concert because of the admiration I have for your work as a musician and as a tireless musical missionary. I was up at 4 am and made the door-to-door trip in less than seven hours. Looking back on this experience I am proud to say that I don’t regret the exhausting travel one bit. I walked into the Sanders Theatre on Harvard’s campus just a few minutes before your pre-concert talk and there you were, embracing the audience in the lobby and warmly welcoming them to the concert. This in itself was quite remarkable, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen another conductor leave the dressing room before a performance! At your pre-concert talk in Albany back in January, I remember seeing hundreds and hundreds of members of the community flooding through the doors of the Palace Theatre to hear you introduce them to the world of Mahler’s Fifth. Not surprisingly, the same thing happened in Boston, as if this were a permanent ritual at BPO concerts and as if going to the pre-concert talk were as important as the concert itself. And there was nothing pretentious about this discussion: it wasn’t for only the scholarly or the musically unfamiliar, but instead an all-inclusive adventure into great music. We often hear many people say they’re afraid to go to concerts these days because they don’t know anything about classical music. Yet there you were, playing and singing and inviting them with open arms and an open spirit. The talk itself was incredible, to say the least. I sat quietly, like my fellow audience members, devotedly tuned in to every word you were saying with such charm and intimacy. It was at this time that I noticed all of the young faces in the audience, and the fact that you gave them all free Rite of Spring CDs will hopefully bring them back again and again! Aside from the students there were people from all walks of life, and I even spotted a few musicians in their tuxedoes. Again, this is something rarely seen! You spoke with us about the chilling story of a mystical snake in “Sensemaya” by Revueltas, engaging us by chanting rhythms and playing the musical lines on the keyboard. Then came the Ginastera Harp Concerto, and you enthusiastically spoke of the piece’s lyrical and percussive nature. In addition, you immediately connected us to the performer by mentioning her determination to be with us after the volcano in Iceland disrupted her initial travel plans. Lastly you spoke with us about the evening’s featured masterpiece, The Rite of Spring. You told us about the background of the piece, the riots it caused during its premiere in Paris, and how this piece changed the musical landscape of the 20th century. You sang, you played, you encouraged us to listen for the songs, processions, and dances, and most importantly you completely enrolled us into what we were about to hear that afternoon. One of the great things that I admire about your work is that you have the openness and curiosity (many would argue that these are extremely rare attributes in conductors!) to broaden your interpretation by listening to the viewpoints of others, particularly musicologists and the musicians in your orchestra. As a result, it is clear that you are really committed to serving music in the best possible way. In leading up to this performance, I closely followed your website correspondence with Stravinsky scholar Robert Fink. Along with recorded examples, the discussion involved performance issues on rubato, the tempi differences between Stravinsky’s piano roll and the musical score and other fascinating topics. All of this contributed to my experience as a listener, and as someone very familiar with the Rite of Spring, I was very curious to hear your interpretive decisions. At the end of the 45-minute talk that seemed to go by quickly, I found myself feeling a strange mixture of being disappointed and excited at the same time. I was disappointed that this intriguing pre-concert talk was now finished and yet I was totally enthusiastic about what I was about to hear- I am sure the rest of the audience was in a similar mindset! As the concert began with Sensemaya, it was impossible to not remember your pre-concert story about the magical snake that the piece so colorfully depicts. One was immediately drawn to the tuba player’s mysterious song, the jagged chants of the trumpets, woodwinds and horns, and the jolting rhythms in the timpani and strings- surely the “¡Mayombe-bombe-mayombé!” that you got the audience to chant in unison during the discussion. I was unfamiliar with the Ginastera Harp Concerto, and I’m embarrassed to say that outside of hearing the harp as an ensemble member of the orchestra, I am truly ignorant when it comes to harp literature. So for me this was a real discovery- I had forgotten how truly beautiful this instrument is! The soloist, Gwyneth Wentink, was first-rate and performed with grace and sensitivity from beginning to end. At one moment she exhibited the full range of instrumental colors and elegance, and at the next moment she was percussive, intense and virtuosic. I remember during the cadenza at the beginning of the third movement how the audience was completely glued to her as if in a hypnotic trance. Her performance as soloist was complemented by the precision and sensitivity of the BPO, who proved to be excellent partners and collaborators in providing the listeners with such a fun experience. It is rare to see a soloist give an encore after a concerto, but our ovations demanded not one but two separate pieces, and looking around the hall it was incredible how many smiling faces were enjoying what they were hearing. Gwyneth exudes talent, charisma and warmth both on the stage and off, and there’s no doubt that she will go very far in life. Whenever an orchestra performs the Rite of Spring, it is always an event. At the performance I saw in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, Verizon Hall was at near capacity, which has been quite rare this season. The BPO musicians delivered an electrifying and fresh performance filled with perfect risk-taking and extraordinary solo and ensemble playing. There were so many exciting moments during this performance: the rhythmic intensity of the Dances of the Young Girls, the songful duet of the bass and piccolo clarinets leading into Spring Rounds, and the softness and suspense of the Kiss of the Earth was perfectly contrasted to the roaring, stampeding Dance of the Earth. Personally, I have always had a difficult time listening to the Introduction of Part II, but with the added freedom it had an exceptional flow. The famously repeated eleven chords leading into the Glorification of the Chosen One were so perfectly held back and full of intensity that the following dance burst open with spectacular noise and energy. And then came the climax- the Sacrificial Dance with its thrilling fast tempo and rhythmic vitality. The performance of the whole piece was an exciting journey from the perfectly strained bassoon at the beginning to the shriek of death at the end. I attend concerts regularly, and this can be a gamble. After all, many performances can be incredibly mundane while only a few are incredibly exciting. In your pre-concert comments, you mentioned the additional commitment the musicians of the orchestra bring to the performance when they know they’re playing for an audience that is both attentive and excited by what they’re about to hear. And that magic between audience and orchestra was certainly evident in the Sanders Theatre that afternoon. Looking around the hall during the final ovations, one could see and sense a real community and their involvement: high school students who traveled an hour to hear the (perhaps their first) Rite of Spring, students from Harvard and the surrounding area, regular BPO patrons and first-timers like myself. This was a concert for everybody. There’s no question that audiences want to be moved and inspired and invited into the world of live performances. What was so great on this afternoon was that the audience was so committed and attentive that they, too, were part of this whole experience. This is what is so wonderful and important about the work you and the BPO do with such passion and commitment. Around the country audiences left and right are dwindling, orchestras are facing overwhelming financial problems and closure, and few communities seem to even care. But in Boston, you and the BPO are obviously doing something right. It was an eye-opening experience to see an orchestra that is embraced by its community because it exists for its community. And after witnessing this whole process, from seeing you welcoming audience members to an exciting pre-concert talk and then journeying on together to an electrifying performance, one couldn’t help but have this realization at the end- why aren’t there more concert experiences like this elsewhere? Imagine the possibilities… Yours, Sameer Sotheby's in San Diego - April 2010 - WOW!!! (Click to reply)
submitted: 4/17/2010 10:55 PM by: Anne Conklin Thank you just doesn't cut it! I was moved, I learned, I experienced and I grew. Your visit to our Sotheby's event in San Diego was quite simply a huge blessing. Thank you for giving us so much of yourself and for allowing us to take whatever we needed; providing us all with the perfect opportunity to pass something of value on to others. You definitely opened our eyes to the art of possibility. What an amazing gift, thank you so much.
Anne Conklin, Treasure Coast Sotheby's International Realty, Vero Beach, FL Dear Mr. Zander, I'm a big fan of both your conducting and of the music of Benjamin Britten. I read recently that when you were young, you were a student of Mr. Britten's. Are there any pictures of the two of you together that you could post on your website? That would be fascinating to see! All my best, Barret How comes the BSO never hires you to fill in? (Click to reply)
submitted: 3/24/2010 10:55 AM by: Barret Oliver I loved your Wagner and Mahler's concerts. This week, I was looking forward to seeing James Levine conducting Schubert's 9th symphony, and was disappointed when he dropped out. I'm also disappointed that they hired a young assistant conductor, Jayce Ogren, to fill in. I'm curious why the BSO never seems to hire you to fill in for them when Levine's sick? Especially since you're located in Boston, it would seem an ideal fit. I would love to see you conduct Schubert, or to have seen you fill in for one of the Beethoven cycles last fall.
Dear Mr. Zander, This is super late but I just discovered you website and wanted to send through a warm THANK YOU to you and Rosamund for coming to see the Allan Gray Orbis FOundation Fellows in 2008 when you visited South Africa. I absolutely love the book and have gained a new perspective through repetitive reads and application. Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing us that a world without limitations can be pratically attained. To this day, your book and wisdom is incorparated in the Foundations programme in equipping us to be entrepreneurs and leaders of our country. Lerato ('_') Hello Mr. Zander, I am an oboist in the ESYO organization and I just wanted to say thank you for coming in to talk and conduct the group. When I heard the news that you were coming in out of your busy schedule to come and talk to us, I went and read your book and it has completly opened my eyes to the world. Hearing about all of your stories with the Boston Philharmonic and other orchestras conducting Mahler and other works got me more excited to get out there in the real world and experience it first hand. Funny story that happened the day you came in, I actually fell down at school earlier that day and hurt my finger and I worried that I wasn't able to play later on in your rehearsal but my dad reminded me of rule 6# and thought how fasinating! My dad also bought me a copy of your book on Monday and got you to sign it as well and that cheered me up and I went to that rehearsal and played my heart out and listened to every word you said. I just wanted to say thanks again for opening up my eyes to the heart of the music. It's about how many shiny eyes I have around me (Click to reply)
submitted: 1/19/2010 7:12 AM by: saskiazieltjens I have seen your 'lesson' about Shiny eyes.
Thank you for giving words to my believes. Now I have a goal for all my emotions instead of trying hard, to find out why I feel what I feel. Instead of excusing myself for my big and detailed romantic world, now I know what I have lost in my childhood - GUTS to believe in me - so thank you very much that you took the time to make my eyes shine! I wont follow impatience no more.. Mahler Second
Thank you again for the incredible workshop at the International Coach Federation conference in Quebec City, Nov 6, 2004. I've never forgotten it, got your book and just pulled it out again and am re-reading! My daughter recently moved to Boston to support her friend who is at Berklee School of Music (they are both 40!) so I started thinking about my favorite Boston musician. I'll send them to one of your concerts. Thank you so much. Linda
Ben:
I may have missed your update, but please let us all know about release plans for your 2009 London recording of the Mahler Second in light of Telarc's announced ending of producing its own CDS as of last spring. Will it still be released on Telarc under its Concord Media ownershjip, or do you hold the rights to the master tapes and can shop it around to another label? Hopefully, you can release it in SACD, which is critical in my opinion. Good luck at the Grammys with your marvelous Bruckner 5th! Sincerely, William R. Gowen Lake Zurich, Illinois I was pointed to a video of your TED talk called Classical Music with Shining Eyes. I loved it. It reminded me that I don't listen to classical music often enough. Years ago I was working at a college radio station. How I got there I don't know. I didn't know much about "alternative" music. I wasn't aware of how big the gap between me and my coworkers was until I invited one into my home and he browsed through my record collection. The only album he said anything about was a Chopin recording. He pulled it out and asked me if I really listened to it. After that I kept my classical music habit all to myself. I've been listening to it less and less. Your talk made me see how much I miss it. I've been sending the link to your talk to everyone so that they can rediscover classical music too. We'll see what happens. As for me, the next iTunes purchase I make will be classical. Maybe something by a composer I've never heard before. "If art doesn't heal, it is not art" A. Jodorowsky (Click to reply)
submitted: 12/12/2009 9:18 PM by: Carlos Calixtro Hi, I've been following Alejandro Jodorowsky and his 'teachings' for a little while. He is actually, among other things, a movie director. He always says that "if art doesn't heal/cure, it is not art then". I'm very glad I just 'discovered' Benjamin Zander's videos in youtube. Some of the work he does seems to me like an example of how 'art', 'good art' has healing powers. Dear Ben and Ros I was very privileged to hear you speak last year (2008) when I was as a guest of McKinsey in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the time I was living a stressful, though fairly fulfilling life as a Management Consultant. Hours were vey long and there seemed little space for my real creativity, which has been pretty much lost over 25 years. I was ignited by your talk and the possibility of doing something different with my life. Ten months later I have left that world and moved to the relative countryside in a village called Hilton in KZN. I found I have an ability to sculpt with sugar of all things and started a cake business! My focus in on children's cakes, making magic with sugar, telling old fairytales in icing. The work gives me great joy and while I am not yet making a living from it, there is promise. The last couple of months have been very hard, with money tight and tensions high again, as I struggle to make this new chosen path pay its way. This morning I woke at 2.30 am (unheard of for me, as I work late nights)and picked up your book. I was reminded again about giving myself an A, not least of all for taking the plunge and having has the guts to let go of what was sure and successful in a material sense. After reading for an hour I was re-ingited and felt myself thinking "fascinating!" in the truest sense! I went back to sleep with the sure knowledge that I AM living in possibility, though it's not always easy and had a big smile in my heart. As the hippie told the tourist, getting to Carnegie Hall take "practise man, practise!". Alongside this new found path, I intend starting to play the piano again; something I haven't done in years. Thank you both for your tremendous spirits, courage and inspiration. Hello dear Ben: How are you doing? Its been so long since I ve been wanting to write to you, but so many things have happened, that I keep thinking all the time, that as soon as "this thing" passes I will write, and, as you can imagine, that time didnt arrive sooner. I write you this note from very deep in my heart, and as you know, my heart feels in spanish, so I realy hope I am capable of letting you know that, what you could have thoght was a little thing, became a major issue for many many children here in Mexico, who might not have had anything else to hang on to. As I told you, these lines are to thank you for not allowing us to forget, with all the work that is done in vain, to witness hope, and support the work of those who instead of seizing fear, they exorcise it -just like you!-, with their daily work and the certainty that the world does not changes all off a sudden. This world has to be carefully nurtured, to be accompanied and, above all, to be loved because it's all we have. The children orchestra s project officially started, but on a scale we had not conceived when we planned together. Thank you because for you, there was no without remedy, because you wanted to come with us and accept that this is the world that needed us, that this time is calling us, that even if we think we are in a hole, we can still see the stars, We -300 children, their parents, teachers and lots of other people- know now, that to remedy life, is necessary to keep with us the certainty that it does have remedy. The certainty of those who every day are able to recover the value and carry it wherever necessary. And people willing to do good, to catch up what falls apart, to keep safe what appears to have no other way, and to rescue what was never safe before. It is a wonder to witness, that according to the eyes of children, the joy that we can feel from them, their hard work, and the everyday example of all who have supported us, our country, our lives and our world have a better fate than many imagine, and it's worth our life to find it . May not be easy, but for sure its worth it -now I know!- Last time I sent you an email it was to tell you that I had an interview with Ricardo Salinas Pliego and Esteban Moctezuma -former state secretary of government, and now president of Fundacion Azteca-. In that first meeting I felt it was quite likely they wanted to support, not Pueblas Children orchestra, but a hole project that would involve all of Mexicos cities and towns. -"If Venezuela could do it, following their path,we are sure we can!!!" I told them, and they belived it too-. This feeling was confirmed some weeks later. Interviews came and went between me,Julio Saldaña and Fundacion Azteca, and so, in late May early June, there was a trust to form what would be the seed of all Mexican orchestras (with new name) Esperanza Azteca Orchestra. Many children were called to audition -about 800-, you wouldnt belive how they appeared from everywhere!!, and many would have to wait, (but not for long). Of these, 300 were selected to become part of the orchestra and chorus. We managed to rent a building that served for many years as a music school, and that is fairly well conditioned. Despite the lack of time, its amazing that we managed to get incredibly good and special teachers, -brasses, percussions woods and strings, as well as voices- all with professional studies in pedagogy, but most of all, very commited with the vision of the project -a superb cuality musical project, but most of all, a social project- We got people from as far as Spain!!. The music workshops, still in school term started in late june with a schedule of 4 to 8 pm, and then, during summer time, children attended from 10 am to 6 pm and now returned to the previous schedule. You cant immagine (well, Im sure you can), what a nice atmosphere, what a good vibre, what a nice feeling is to be arround them. Also, as Im sure you know, what was very likely to happen, has happened, From all arround the city come children (many take busses from very far -two hours to come, and another two to return) some have to walk distances that I wouldnt be able to, some have to cross very difficult paths to get to the daily rehersals, and still, they dont want to miss it. It really has become a way to survive to many children, who are exposed to alcoholic parents, drugs and abuse. We already have many testimonials. Also, among them many very very gifted childran have appeared (so much talent that is wasted!!!) As you may recall this is a project that can hardly be self-sustainable, so the Azteca Foundation planed to create a trust in every state of the country which will include the participation of the Federal government, state government, and municipal one, the private sector, SEP, among others, and all of these will have different percentages of participation , and thereby ensure that this project is not a six-year plan, but will continue. The wonder is that Fundacion Azteca pledged to seek donations from each of the instances to ensure their continuity (you know that media has lot of power). As you can see, the beginning has been intensive, and it will have the cherry on top of the cake, the next november 30th because there will be a concert at the Ollin Yolitzy center for the arts, in which will be all of Mexico s rulers, the President, secretary of states and mayor inverstors, invited personally by Ricardo Salinas Pliego (so they cant refuse!), to request its support and at least one orchestra (for now) in their respective state. This is still a little bit secret, but not for you!!! For us, and for me specially would be incredible if you would accept the invitation to attend the concert!!! Think about it -I ve already took the liberty to check if you direct a concert on that date, and was very happy to see that you dont- I really, really hope you can make it. Please let me know to make all arrangements. Also, it s incredible, but its almost been a year since you came and made us see the potencial seed we had in our hands, so this year, La Ciudad de la Ideas opens with the video in which you direct the children, and then 30 of them will play the same piece live; afterwards Edouard and I will talk about all this beutifull madness that has taken over our lifes (many lifes) That will take place on november 6th. So here's the project, and it was for me, very important to let you know that almost a year ago, we received, as a gift, help from you to see things differently, and that gave us the confidence to continue looking for a way to realize music for children. Thank you for beliving with me, that this beutifull, life saving project could get in touch with other passions, could find other certainties, and build another way of life Love Leonor Dear Interpreters,
I have decided to go to have the lunch with President Obama, as you all suggested. So I won't be in class. However, I have found a wonderful guest. Ben Cameron is one of the most powerful and eloquent voices in the world of arts advocacy. He has agreed to come and talk to you. Don't miss this great opportunity. We are very lucky to have him!!
Warmest wishes
Ben Zander Thank you so much for your master class in Walnut Hill......... (Click to reply)
submitted: 10/20/2009 4:50 AM by: Soonjoo Youn Dear Mr.Zander
Greetings from Seoul. This is mother of Jaehyuck Choi,who is majoring composition at Walnut Hill since this fall. It's been almost two months that he started his semester at Walnut Hill and has been filled with his hopes and dreams to be a wonderful composer and conductor. With Walnut Hill's strong curriculum, his favorite class is your weekly master class. Thanks so much for your permission to get this exciting class, even though he is only a freshman. He said to me "Mom! I have some wonderful new experiences which had never been made before, with Mr.Zander in this class". It seems this master class makes him more curious and motivated into the newly musical world. As a very young musician, now he puts his heart and soul into the music more than ever. I wish to express my hearty thanks to Mr.Zander that let my son feel you at hand. I believe that the days with Mr.Zander in Boston will be splendid bright through Jaehyuck's all life. Best Regards, Soonjoo Youn Dear Mr. Zander, I just wanted to thank you so much for your weekly master class. Though I am only a Freshman here at Walnut Hill and I am not requiered to go to these master classes, but I now firmly believe that it will be a part of my weekly routine. I have honestly never has an experiance quite like your master class; it is truely wonderful. The musicians who are playing are wonderfully talented, but you take their potential and mold it into the meaning of the song. Just today one girl was playing the violin quite beautifully in a piece where she was playing both the accompianst and the singer of the piece. Then you took her already good playing and evolved her thinking of the piece, and next thing you know, she is playing the song like a conversation between two people. It was wonderful. Moreover, I adore the white sheets. I find it to be such a wonderful way to let out the experiances we have not only while in the master class but in our lives aswell. It was my first master class today and I more or less didn't know what to do with thhe white paper given to me. Next thing I know the class starts. Then, I begin to more or less pour my thoughts on what is going on onto the single page and all of the things I find myself realating to it. It is quite the wonderful and destressing experiance; I love how you use these to open us up and grow in our own performances and lives. It's almost sad that I am only a freshman and have a ways away until I can perform at master class, but to be honest I am simply happy that I get to watch these tranformations and get to in some way participate with such a wonderful ordeal. Now that I have talked for far to long and probably over stayed your hospitality, I will stop. Basically thank you for even doing these master classes, they are wonderful! Thank you, Ashley Robillard Dear Mr. Zander I see your point. Is it possible that I could get another week to revise my letter? I might need to do some thinking first.. Anne Sophie Presentation to The MITRE Corporation (Click to reply)
submitted: 9/22/2009 2:36 PM by: Belinda Edwards Ben, Although I was on the phone for your presentation, I thoroughly enjoyed your speech. I will work everyday to remember that "the downward spiral lives in our vocabulary." Thanks again! The Art of Possibility and 1st Rehearsal (Click to reply)
submitted: 9/20/2009 7:26 PM by: Nicole DiBlasi Dear Mr. Zander, I just wanted to let you know that I was completely touched by your speech prior to rehearsal yesterday afternoon! I felt as though I understood every word of it and it made my feel very grateful to know such an inspirational person, such as yourself! I am very much looking forward to working with you and my YPO family this year! As I am a senior, I will be disappointed to leave YPO physically. However, YPO will never leave me emotionally and spiritually. The last five years in YPO have been a journey of love, passion, and support, and I know this year will be the same! What will we be focusing on next Saturday at TEN PAST THREE? I will see you next Saturday and have a wonderful week! All the best, Nicole DiBlasi The Art of Possibilty and 1st Rehearsal (Click to reply)
submitted: 9/20/2009 7:12 PM by: Nicole DiBlasi Dear Mr. Zander,
I want to tell you how touched I was by your speech yesterday, prior to rehearsal. I felt as though I understood every word of it and I thought to myself how honored I am to know such an inspirational being, such as yourself. It is such a privelage to be a part of YPO and I am very disappointed this is my last year! The last five years have been a journey of love, passion, and support. I could not be more grateful for what I am a part of! What will we be focusing on next Saturday at TEN PAST THREE? I look forward to working with you this year! Have a fabulous week! All the best, Nicole I received this letter from a young trumpeter, Nathaniel Meyer, who played in Youth Philharmonic for 5 years. In his final concert with the orchestra, before going off to college, he played an astonishing performance of the first trumpet part of Mahler 5th. I wrote to him to congratulate him and this is his response. Dear Mr. Zander,
I just mailed the letter to you. Hope it's ok.
/Anne Sophie Dear Mr. Zander
Could you please remind me if we are supposed to post the A-letters here, or send them somewhere else? thank you! Anne Sophie Andersen Anne Sophie,
I didn't see your email. I will give you instructions in class. best wishes
BZ Dear Ben,
Thank you so much for a truly amazing journey and experience in London. Well, the journey has only just begun, as you were a true inspiration and your enrollment enabled me to rediscover my joy and love for music. That fire of enthusiasm has remained burning since London and I have been active in looking for new ways and means to express all this music and sense of simply being to others. Yes, at times I am overcome by the feelings of "downward-spiralling" while negotiating the day to day complexities of the callous underbelly of the music world, but your irresistable joy and unbridled spirit of communication remains the guiding light to my musical path I know I now have to follow. Yes, it IS all about creating and living in Possibility! Firstly, I am planning a trip to Boston and New york around the end of October, so I hope you´ll be around? It would be wonderful if I could listen to any rehearsing you might be doing at the time. I recall looking at your timetable on your website and it did look very busy!! I am working on 2 ideas at the moment, the first one involves taking conducting and leadership to the Business world, that is letting business men and women to conduct as a way of releasing stress and at the same time aiding communication skills, team work (despite being in the role of a leader). the idea is still in its infancy, but I know of a man here in Austria who is doing similar things. I guess one has to take into consideration that that most of them won´t be musicians and won´t have any idea of score reading. My question then is, what sort of repertoire could one then do with them? Your wonderful stories of the last movement of Beethoven´s 5th Symphony immediately spring to mind. That 10 year old boy certainly didn´t have any trouble with score reading!!))) Thanks once again for everything. It really was one of the most significant weeks in my life and not once did I look at my watch asking myself when everything would end..because everyone and everything just contributed to this magical event and journey of music making and being one. That is and can´t ever be boring!! All my love Luke Hi! Come back to Seattle! How about an open "class" like you are doing in New Jersey? As a teacher with 20 years of experience (Click to reply)
submitted: 9/7/2009 11:18 AM by: Dan Bradley I am continually reinventing my teaching changing and adapting I am reading your book "The Art" just as a bit of a cynic ---can I trust that students who at the first day are "given" an A will they do any work? I am teaching in Middle School grades 6,7, and 8 they seem to be so needy and so creative. They can also be so many other things.. how can i promise an A if they will use that as revenge or an excuse. Sorry to be so negative; also my principal will be interesting if I do not evaluate all students work. As a teacher with 20 years of experience (Click to reply)
submitted: 9/13/2009 10:23 PM by: benjamin zander Dear BJ. Your "needy and creative" 6, 7, and 8th graders are INDEED so many things--in fact they are infinite, just as you are. In your letter you describe yourself as inventive, adaptive, cynical, doubting, negative, and able to welcome change. You express your love for the children and your fear of them. The way it ordinarily goes in classrooms all around the world, teachers will be connecting to their students through different parts of themselves, that respond to and reinforce different parts of the children, some positive and some negative. But the teachers will think they can evaluate the students accurately, because in the ordinary world we believe children and places and things ARE a certain way and we can see what's true about them. In the world of Possibility, we declare that we are very poor instruments for discovering "the truth." In fact, we abandon the task altogether in the conviction that life comes into being in relationship, that conditions arise together like electrons that mirror each other across space. We will never "know" anything by observing it. The practice of giving an A asks you to reinvent yourself --as contribution-- so you are not tempted to pursue the hopeless path of assessment. When you really understand that "it is all invented" you know you have the power to do that. Then it will be clear to you that the A isn't some THING to give them, it's a way to BE with the students. It is a declaration of your faith in the power of human partnership. It allows you gladly to accept 100% responsibility for the students' progress. You will ask, but what if they don't keep up their end of things? The answer is, when you are standing in Possibility, being a contribution, and giving them A's you will never see a child sloughing off, or acting mean and vengeful. You will only SEE children doing the best they can where they are, because you will have quieted the judgmental parts of you that interpret behavior in the ways you mention in your letter. And when you see in a child's anger or exhaustion her struggle to contribute, you will be moved to engage with the child, and inquire of her and yourself as to the next step. If it is clear that a certain child is not thriving in your classroom setting, it will never occur to you that he is taking advantage of his A. You will look to see if there is an aspect of you that is in his way, some opinionated part perhaps, and you will clear that. If it then occurs to you that the child is not supported by the environment of your classroom, you will help him and his parents to find a setting in which he will flourish. It may be dawning on you that giving A's is not so easy--simple maybe, but not easy. Giving an A is not a single act, but an ongoing commitment to engage with others in a powerful, radiant way, a way that brings deep connection, inspiration, and joy. The great news is that is will end all your suffering, but that's another story. When you are standing tin Possibility, providing the environment of the A for all your students, how could you doubt that the children will flourish and grow? Thank you for writing to us, and thank you for being the infinite contribution that you are.
Roz Zander Perhaps you might pass a message on to Mr Zander and his record Thank you, Phil W., UK Mr. Zander, I am not certain I know where to begin. Your presentation left me speechless...but certainly not emotionless. As a singer, I greatly value the impact of music and its role as a passionate and "boundary-less" method of communication. Your perspective and insight brought new life to a once-upon-a-time habitual lifestyle. My afternoons and evenings, for almost 10 years, were spent behind the piano of a vocal coach. Thank you for reminding me that the intricacies of music convey a world of possibility. At the end of your presentation, I found myself battling overwhelming sobs from the middle row (perhaps I should have sat in the back!) I grew up in a family "destined for success." Even entering MBA school has been challenging, as I live in often paralyzing fear of failure. Upon hearing your opening statements regarding the purpose of our names and the art of possibility, my heart was open to newfound joy I've spent several years attempting to discover. Thank you for your powerful words and willingness to share so much with us. I look forward to reading The Art of Possibility and sharing it with friends and family. With sincere gratitude, Dear Mr Zander,
I am a long time graduate of the Landmark Forum. I reviewed the Forum this weekend. Someone there mentioned your work and it might be of interest to me. Talk about an understatement. There is a video with you coaching violinist with the idea that it is not about winning the next job or showing up the other guy. You said our goal is showing people who hear us that possibility does exist no matter how many nos the audience had encountered in that day. My heart swelled with emotion. I was very excited about music and what I can do with it all over again. Thanks for showing me to be me. I had these ideas for years. I was too chicken to share my insights and ideas. All my teaching and playing will be proudly based on possibility. Your partner in music Charles W. Dear Ben, we met few times, but most recently in Boston where you presented to many Oracle customers...If you try to remember me...I am the one that lives in the World of possibilities....who offers your book to every new person I meet telling them it changed my life and I wish it changes theirs...I was there that evening when you celebrated your 70th birthday/30th with the orchestra...and we met again for your speach with Oracle....
I would love to meet you again...I know you are coming near Quebec city july 31st....3 hours drive from Montreal....for a concert...will see you there most likely... I was wondering if I could see you before or after...and if POSSIBLE to have you meet some of my friends.....let me know.... I have a picture of you and me....that inspires me every day....would like to send you. Cheers. Benjamin, i would like to thank you again for the fantastic evening in the concertgebouw amsterdam at the occ. of Pim Polak S. leave. Your perfomance made me enthousiast. Because of the crowd a have not been able to thank you personally.
Again thank you and may god bless you and yr. family. Cok ( Cornelis) de Jager. Wednesday, 27 may 2009. Amersfoort. Dear Benjamin,
I would like to thank you for a brilliant lecture on Bruckner's 5th symphony which was added to your Telarc recording. I am by now 50 years old and the first time I heard that symphony was over 30 years ago and since then it has always been close to my heart and I know it always will be. It is a spiritual work in a way that can not be explained but your lecture put words on a couple of things that I "knew" but could not express. I am so happy that the musical world has people like you who can dig under the surface of great music, both in words, but more importantly, when conducting. Best regards/ Staffan Sundkvist Dear Mr. Zander, You have no idea how badly I wanted a white sheet after that performance! The silence before the Debussy was pure energy, the silence buzzed with the audiences excitement, waiting for the flautist to start the beautiful flow of sound and emotion. As it built up with more instruments, my heart fluttered with excitement and the passion of the music that was passing through me. As the music went on, it tugged me every which way (I hope not not so much physically for the sake of those sitting around me!), it brought me through a world of emotions, all because of this piece. as the Debussy ended, the silent energy returned to the hall, but in a new form; it was a 'tired' energy as this had already emotionally dragged me around. it was tired as in that it is a piece that you don't want to end, and then Debussy stabs us in the heart by stopping this sensory high. Next, Chi-wei walks on to stage taking everyones breath away; not only because of his stunning white tuxedo (which I am incredibly jealous of!) but because of the invisible power this young man held. I only had the privilege of hearing rumors of how amazing he was, and on occasion, hearing him in an adjacent practice room working on the third movement. I knew that this was going to be mind blowing though. I didn't need any rumors or whiffs of his playing to know that this would be amazingly fantastic! I loved the jazzy first movement, the life and spirit of this thankfully brought me up from my hangover from the debussy!! Only to realize as the first movement ended with a bang that this next movement would deprive me. I almost immediately fell apart in the first few chords of the second movement because of the immense beauty that Chi-wei squeezed out of the piano. I could not believe what i had heard by the end of this, i was so exhausted after hearing this! then, the amazing third movement. I noticed how he automatically started speeding up from an already fast tempo!!! His speed an precision was like a sail boat speedily cutting through the water blowing everything out of the way! As he ended I wanted to jump out of my chair for him, but it would have been undoubtedly dangerous! Intermissions are very good for the audience and musicians The Petrouchka truly spoke for itself. The story line really helped the music I think, but at the same time it was distracting from the musicians. I could tell that even though they were tired, the musicians still kept pushing strong through the technicalities of this unique piece! I couldn't believe that Chi-wei could go on after the Ravel! Thank you and YPO for giving us an amazing concert once again. YPO has truly showed (me) that nothing is impossible for young musicians! Riley J. Stiller We will certainly be visiting the Boston Philharmonic again soon (Click to reply)
submitted: 5/20/2009 10:18 AM by: [hidden] Dear Mr. Zander,
My husband and I went to the February 22nd concert this year and were graced by Gabriela Montero. What a delight to hear her play in person. It made me want to run out and buy every recording of the piece to see if anyone could possibly match her musicianship. She was even better than I imagined her to be! Both of us are trained musicians and we were just in awe of her performance the entire time. What impressed us even more than your interpretation of all of the pieces on the concert (which was incredible) was your presence. Not very often when you enter an orchestra hall are you greeted by the conductor himself. Nevermind get a hug! We have listened to your talks on TED, shared them with many of our students here in Westbrook, and then shared them will fellow musicians and teachers in the area. I even forwarded the link to my principal here at the junior high and he actually listened to it! You are an inspiration to us, and it is amazing that you speak and teach with so much passion after being a part of it for so long. It takes a very gifted, intelligent, passionate, and creative human being to be able to work with children and adults at such a high level. We will certainly be visiting the Boston Philharmonic again soon because it may have been the most enjoyable pre-concert talk and concert experience we have ever had. You have greatly impacted us, Mr. Zander, because here we are in May, and we are still talking about you to anyone who will listen! Have a great week! ~Krystle and Kyle Smith Hello, Ben:
I have just completed a week of adjudicating for the Windsor, Ontario Kiwanis. The work can be grueling, but very rewarding, too. I had a glorious opportunity to practise possibility with a young cellist. His Bourée, the C+ was good, but not quite great. As he went through the motions, bar by bar, I thought: "The problem is, you're always on two buttocks!" I weighed the risks of talking to him about this, and thought, "so what!" I talked to him about how you have to be bowled over by the music, and that you cannot just plant yourself there and expect it to happen. So when he heard this, he nodded his head, "yes." But of course nothing happened. So then at the end of the week, I invited him to a masterclass, and he wanted to explore the idea a bit further. Who can resist getting an adjudication about One-Buttock Cello Playing, especially an eleven year old boy! As he played, a voice began to coach him: "Down bow, right buttock, Up bow, left!" I was shocked to find that it was my voice, but it worked! Gales of laughter from the parents, other players and the accompanist. And now, another cellist who can move to the music, and be moved by the music. Not to mention the audience. I saw a performer play Humoresque, so beautifully, with shining eyes. She took that class, although later I found out she has Asberger's syndrome. Good thing I assessed her on her playing alone. She got to play in the MasterClass, too. In those tight classes, I was pleased to give them all an A. I said that Festival rules required a first, second, and a third, but that was just a formality. You don't have to give a B or a C or a D to someone who is good enough to be on the Dream Team, whether it's basketball or a symphony. If you have Primrose in your section, it really doesn't matter where his is sitting. You can lead from anywhere. "Who's Primrose?" Glorious opportunity. They don't have their shoes yet.! I gave one bright student the first piece from Schindler's list as a sight reading piece. I could tell that it really affected him. Now he gets to find out about Oskar Schindler, and Itzhak Perlman. From one glorious opportunity to another... I think I owe you some kind of residual. Much affection, Julian. Caro Maestro,
I was so delighted to find you on Facebook. I hope you remember me, I was the tenor in your 'sonata and lieder' class at the conservatory, my name was Brian Skinner at the time. I have fond memories of that time, and everything I learned, you 'taught' me to sing lieder. I continue to feel fortunate to have been chosen for that class. After leaving Boston, I moved to Italy, where my career began, as 'don Jose" under Peter Maag, in Treviso. It would bring me great joy sing with you again. With affection Fernando www.fernandodelvalle.com Dear Ben,
I can hardly tell you what a thrilling experience it was to be involved in the performance and recording of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony. You will have realised from the response of members of the Bach Choir what a tremendous impact this week has had on us all, starting with your inspirational rehearsal last Monday; continuing with your introductory talk in the cathedral which made everything so clear, and lifted us from the state of enthusiastic singers to that of profoundly engaged participants in the drama that was to unfold; and then the performance itself, which, after your own constant affirming of what was happening on that fantastic journey from darkness to light, was unforgettable. All of us at Watford yesterday afternoon are immensely grateful for that opportunity to record the heavenly climax; we will await the CD with some impatience! On a more personal note, I must tell you how moved the choir was when you recounted the story of the internment shared by our fathers. So many have spoken to me since, asking me more about it, since that chapter of history is outside the experience of almost everyone. It was a remarkable moment, particularly in the context of the triumph of the spirit so eloquently written about by your father, that had already been reflected in your explanations of the finale of the symphony during the rehearsal. It was of course an unimaginable privilege for me to be associated, albeit at one remove, with that story and with the Zander family. My father was so pleased to hear about what had happened, and is very much looking forward to seeing Luke on Thursday, when he is kindly planning to meet at my father's residential home in north London. Last night, I read again two of your father's articles: Spiritual Power in Internment and The Way of the German Jew (having been reminded in a letter he once wrote to me that he refers to and quotes my father in the latter). Both his collection of articles - I'm so glad they are now on the website - and his books remain invaluable reading for anyone trying to make sense of Israel and Palestine. These writings appear ever more prophetic, as the inevitable conflict grows, tragically. Meanwhile, Susie and I are so pleased to have met you and Rosamund, Luke and Annique (sorry if the spelling's wrong), and Michael and his wife last week, and to have re-established contact with the Zander family, your father having been, as you know, a - if not, the - guiding spirit throughout my father's life since internment, and, therefore, a significant influence on mine too. I have to add, Ben, that the extraordinary experiences of the past week have strengthened that influence, from which I know I will draw enormous strength in the future. It was wonderful. I hope the final recording day will have gone well. Warmest regards, John REAL_NAME: Juliet Sydenham COMMENTS: Dear Benjamin Zander, thank you so much for the privilege of letting us be present at your wonderful talk on Tuesday at Westminster Cathedral, followed by the amazing performance of Mahler's 2nd. It meant a lot to me and to my husband, who is in the early stages of dementia. He managed to sit through the whole thing and loved it, which is extremely unusual. My daughter in law, Kirsty Lang, told us about the concert, and after listening to Front Row, we were determined not to miss a minute of it. The talk made all the difference as we knew what was going to happen and what to look out for. I also read your blogs about China, since my grandson aged 19 is going there to work for three months. I love all the Possibility stuff which perhaps he will take on board. Many many thanks again, hope you come to the UK again soon, with best wishes, Julie --------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMENTS: To Mr. Zander, I am a student at McCombs School of Business. In our management course, we were asked to read the book you wrote with Roz, The Art of Possibility. Well! We had a surprise quiz on it, and one of the questions asked what the chapter 'Giving an A' was primarily about. Our professor gave us perhaps...6 answer choices, the first one being 'how people succeed in life', and the last one being 'none of the above'. The answers in between are negligible. Maybe. But..I chose the first answer and was counted wrong. I wanted to know what your thoughts were. In that chapter, would you consider your examples successes in life? Because I certainly think so. We all define success in many different ways, don't we? Looking forward to your answer, Amanda Nguyen Business student by day, violinist, pianist, and dancer by night. Amanda, Of course it all depends on how you define success. If your definition is based on the accumulation of wealth, fame or power, then your teacher is right - giving the "A" is not designed to reach goals in those areas. If, on the other hand, you define success, as I do, by how many shining eyes you have around you, then Giving "A"'s is clearly a direct path to that joyous life. However, in my experience, Giving "A"s to people mysteriously seems to lead to greater success in the more conventional sense, but that is another story. I think your teacher had wisely tried to draw your attention to the transformational, nature of our practices, by asking you to think "out of the box" of normal thinking. "None of the above" is the "correct" answer, but yours has truth too and, look, it lead to our conversation, which opens up possibility! Maybe we will go dancing! warmest wishes Ben Zander new website for children learning the cello (Click to reply)
submitted: 2/27/2009 1:29 PM by: Deborah Sacks Dear Mr Zander,
I wanted to let you know that I have put a link to your Pop!Tech talk on a new website I have set up for children learning the cello littlecellist.com. Thank you for your insights which I am sure are going to inspire many young cellists and some grown up ones too. Yours sincerely, Deborah Sacks Roz and Ben I am reading the Art of Possibility and am savoring the flavor which feels balanced, rich, and yet light. Thanks for being on a fabulous mission. The practices are wonderful and have deep impact in how we all think of life. I am curious about what you might think about the idea that perhaps we are each a song? that we have our own lyrics etched in our brains that shape how we experience the world? certain refrains? like some people might have the "my liffeeee suckkkkss" song stuck in their head and others might choose to hear "I am greater and more powerful than I think I am" or some of us may have other tracks we choose from that deeply influence the soundtrack of our life? I'd love your thoughts and invite others to comment on how that resonates with them. Evelyn Van Til College-to-Career Coach Lyrical Purpose http://www.lyricalpurpose.wordpress.com Hello Ben, I owe you a very big THANK YOU and appreciate all the presentations you have made at TED as well as at the World Economic Forum 2008+9 cause I try to follow you as much as possible. I've watched them many many times and help me as a person improve and go on with issues of myself (thank God there is YouTUBE and TED). You are a great teacher and a great motivator. Certainly you are unlocking possibilities within other people and transforming them. I am honoured you connected with me and I appreciated! Please, continue inspiring the world. You are the BEST! Kind Regards, Stefanos Athens, Greece -------------------- Mr. Zander,
I have seen and heard a good many talks and there has been none that has had the positive effect on myself and thus my workplace. It was truly my pleasure and enjoyment to say that I was part of the closing ceremony at Lotusphere 2009. To say that this was the best motivation I have ever had is an understatement. Thank you so much for your words and approach I now try to take to the next level at work. Thank You Again, Jack Lagina Network Technician Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District You were definitely the highlight of this year's wef !!! I had such a good time watching you on TV - it's such a pity I can't afford to fly to Boston to hear the Philharmonic Orchestra... regards Marianne Loosli-Widmer from Switzerland Dear Mr Zander
I have just finished watching your DAVOS presentaion for the 3rd time; on this occasion I have listened with my father who is 93years old, and still living in your 'first stage of growth and development'!. What a privilege for all his family! My teenage children have also both listened independently to your address and shared it with friends and teachers. What an extraordinary vision of hope and potential you offer us all - a 'better way of thinking' my father says. We have viewed this in New Zealand, however it was a cousin in Israel who originally sent the link. While it is dark in Israel, it is light in NZ, and so it is with the world. Whilst we live in a world that must now take a new direction, we hope it is a choice to the 'right' to 'possibility' and to light...to defy the gravity and downward spiral that has too often led us toward darkness and conflict. Thank you! Alison Dear Liz, Hi! My name is Ms Dwyn Griesel and I am the Director of the Kronendal Music Academy that Ben mentioned in his radio interview. I could hardly sleep last night when I received an email from a very special lady, Louise Van Rhyn, who in her way started this whole big beautiful, energetic ball rolling! The email explained to Dorianne - ANOTHER very special lady who created the link between you and Ben and I.... and therefore our pupils - who the precious gift of your piano was for! Liz, I met Ben Zander last year when he so very graciously came to present a masterclass visit to our Academy and one of our gifted pupils was blessed to work with him while the rest of us looked on in captivation! We only had the use of a VERY dilapidated grand old black piano in a local school hall and although it was an embarrassment in some ways the dear old thing held her own and did her best - with me pressing down the "C1" hammer back into place every time it was played! However, it was when Ben announced mid-Liszt that this piano was not doing any of us any good and that he pledged to find us a new grand piano, that all our jaws fell to the floor! The next time we met he and I discussed the best way to go forward with this promise, but the ball had not begun its roll yet, so to speak. Until the radio interview! Dear Liz, I am a pianist myself and a while back I had to say goodbye to my sweet precious old friend, my upright piano, who had seen me through years of exams and concertos and competitions and given me hours of practise and joy into the wee hours of many mornings. So, I am well aware of the heartache that you must be feeling and which has stopped you from selling your Weber till now... I can assure you that this gift will mean a new era in the life of YOUR old friend, that its gift of sound and music and sheer pleasure will go on to enter countless hearts and bring endless smiles to the faces of so many souls who otherwise would not ever have had the opportunity to experience such luxury. Of course, who knows what hidden talents in these children your piano will expose, and lead to greater things! With your permission, I would love to send you some more info on our school and what we do, what we dream of, so that you can see what your piano's new home is all about! But for nowI want to tell you how very very very very grateful we all are and what a joyful celebration there is at the Academy right now :-) And to Ben, Dorianne and Louise, thank you for making this wonderful opportunity happen, I do believe this is the Art of Possibility In Action! Much love Dwyn G Ms Dwyn Griesel DIRECTOR KRONENDAL MUSIC ACADEMY OF HOUT BAY "Igniting the Spirit" A Non-Profit Music Academy integrating communities Cape Town, South Africa Tel: +27 82 3314062 "The only actions that do not cause opposing reactions are those that are aimed at the good of all. They are inclusive, not exclusive." Eckhart Tolle Dear Ben and Roz,
On behalf of Belmont Day School, I extend enormous thanks to you both for the wonderful evening you gave our community last night. The atmosphere in the school is "skipping." While dropping off my daughter Marisol this morning, many parents and teachers gushed their enthusiasm. Their eyes were shining! One person I spoke to was Regina, an 11-year old who attended last night because her mother. a school staff member, didn't have enough time to go home and come back. When I asked Regina if she enjoyed the program and understood any of it, her response was: "From now on, I'm going to sit in the front row ALL the time!" Clearly, your words and ideas -- the realm of possibility -- reached each of us in important ways. Belmont Day is a school that will take the feelings, lessons, and message and soar, imparting them to the students with grace and creativity. I can't thank you enough for your willingness to participate in our parent workshop program and for your generosity in sharing your insights with us first-hand. It was a privilege and an honor that we will cherish for a long time to come. Wishing you joy, happiness and possibility, I remain, Kindly yours, Lisa -- Lisa Monrose --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ben, _The Story of Eastlea - Download Beethoven's 5th Symphony_ (http://benjaminzander.com/eastlea.php#continued) was so inspiring. It represents the burning desire I've had to do something to make a difference in our children in our community & around the world. The education system is sorely lacking & terribly uninspiring to the students, as well as the teachers. I am not in the education system, nor do I have specific contacts. But I do believe there is a way, through the guidance of gifted people like you, to initiate a program that will encourage our children to explore their creativity & believe in the importance & excitement of their individual contribution to this world. Please provide any suggestions or information that might assist me in this task. I feel driven to do this, but I could use direction in motivating others & possible suggestions on how to get started. I have shared The Story of Eastlea with a list of people that share my vision. With your direction, we can make a difference, starting in our community. Thank you for the excitement you instill in others. Regards, Mary Ann Weber 4103 Chalfonte Dr. Beavercreek, Oh 45440 USA _majlweber.@aol.com_ (mailto:majlweber.@aol.com) **************New year...new news. Be the first to know what is making headlines. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000026) STATE: New South Wales ZIP: 2095 COUNTRY: Australia COMMENTS: Dear Benjamin I have just listened to your presentation at the TED talks for what must be the 4th or 5th time. I think that it is the best talk I have ever seen and even though I'm sure lots of people tell you the same thing I wanted to make sure that I contacted you to let you know. I'm on the lookout for shiny eyes and more importantly constantly asking myself who I am being when people around me do not have shiny eyes. If there is anything I can do to help you such as if you ever visit Sydney and would like to visit the best places please let me know. Thank you for your insight. Richard --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Mr. Zander,
I've been a teacher for 20 years and a very clumsy amateur musician for more than 30. I have learned from you as both and this is my thank you so much. As a teacher (mathematics) I've been always looking for those shining eyes, and as result of my passion for maths I've got them maybe three or four times, so long ago. It was a time when I hadn't forgotten yet that a pupil was a world of possibilities. You have reminded me of that and I needed it: thanks. As a music lover and wannabe player, always struggling with my lack of knowledge, practice and skill, like if it were some sort of competition with myself, you have taught me to focus on the music I was trying to make. When I saw you teaching that fifteen year old cello player I wished I had been him, at my 42 years of age. I regard that lesson as a gift and cherish it deep in my heart. Watching it moved me because I longed to be that teacher and that pupil at the same time. You are a master. Thanks so much. Please, come to Spain sometime. Manuel Gómez Dear Mr. Zander,
I've been a teacher for 20 years and a very clumsy amateur musician for more than 30. I have learned from you as both and this is my thank you so much. As a teacher (mathematics) I've been always looking for those shining eyes, and as result of my passion for maths I've got them maybe three or four times, so long ago. It was a time when I hadn't forgotten yet that a pupil was a world of possibilities. You have reminded me of that and I needed it: thanks. As a music lover and wannabe player, always struggling with my lack of knowledge, practice and skill, like if it were some sort of competition with myself, you have taught me to focus on the music I was trying to make. When I saw you teaching that fifteen year old cello player I wished I had been him, at my 42 years of age. I regard that lesson as a gift and cherish it deep in my heart. Watching it moved me because I longed to be that teacher and that pupil at the same time. You are a master. Thanks so much. Please, come to Spain sometime. Manuel Gómez Dear Mr. Zander,
My mother, upon arrival at my home for the holiday season, handed me your book, "The Art of Possibility". She mentioned, in supportive but fragmented sentences, that I could relate to the context and relationships within this book because "Ben Zander relates life experiences to music". Honestly, I was a bit uncertain as to how intriguing your book would be. I read it from cover to cover, not wanting to put it down even to tend to Maria's, my three year old daughter, needs. My mother was fortunate enough to attend one of your lectures. She shared with me the impact your lecture made upon her- profoundly. I re-discovered the part of me that I thought was long gone. As a musician, I struggled and faced much opposition- especially from some of my college professors. The more "influential" ones, were the most judgemental and discouraging. Certainly, if I embodied the awareness that I am beginning to recognize now, I would not allow them on "my board". Alas, that was over ten years ago. Today, my orchestra is my classroom- filled with students with very special talents and needs. I ended my semester completely exhausted and depleted. I lost my motivation to help certain ones because everything I had tried and applied- failed. With your suggestions and unique perspective I have discovered a new approach- they are all A's. For the most sensitive case- thinking outside the box may just prove to provide a solution. I plan to re-visit your book and dwell within its pages. Thank you for such a wonderful gift. Sincerely and compassionately yours, Heather Varanelli Georgia, USA Dear Mr. Zander,
I am writing you on Christmas eve to thank you. I first read the Art of Possibility four years ago at the beginning of my graduate studies in Organizational Leadership. This book changed my life and my ability to live in so many ways. The greatest of which is regaining a lost passion of singing and musical performance I felt was lost. I will be a life-long student of the Art of Possibility and its teachings. Of all the stories in the book, the most profound was of the little girl in the concentration camp who gave her only possession, a perfect little berry she had been hiding in her pocket, to her friend. I cannot fully express the magnitude of what I felt when I read this but I can tell you that I carry it with me wherever I go. I now stand at the beginning of a new chapter in my life and am using what I learned from you and your wife as a guide to keep me on my true path. I have gifted your book to countless friends and will continue to share what I learned with those around me. I hope to follow your example and be a leader who empowers those around her to be more than they thought they could be. If I can give others just a portion of what you and your wife have given me I know I will have fullfilled part of my purpose. I have yet to attend one of your talks but hope to very much in the future. One day I hope our paths cross. Thank you again for the priceless gift you have given me and I hope you and your family have a lovely holiday season. Sincerely, Shameen Cooper Dear mister Zander,
I found your presentation at Pop!Tech on the internet and I was really amazed! I studie Oboe at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague (The Netherlands) and I am at the first year. I really recognised your story about the voice in your head and all those stuff. It really bothers me, because when I have to play on a concert or recital I always get nervous and I think I can't do it. I know I must not think in that kind of way.. So I try to think about what I play well and so on. But the feeling always stays. I wonder if you know how to handle this? I really think you're a amazing teacher. I haven't seen such an enthousiastic, motivated and music-loving teaching for a long time. I wish my teacher was more like you. Than I wouldn't be nervous to go to my main subject courses. I was also wondering if you also give presentions/masterclasses in other country's? I think it would be really great if you could come to The Hague. It could me an eye-opener for many students! I've ordered your book and can't wait to read it! Thanks in advance! Greetings from Holland! Kim Bosch Dear Kim,
Thank you for your wonderful letter. I do have some ways of dealing with those nerves, which I would love to deliver "in person". I am coming to Amsterdam on May 25th. Would you like to arrange a class at the Hague Conservatory and I will be happy to work with you and other students on solving some of these problems. The best day would be May 26th. Let me know if you can organize something. Warmest best wishes Ben Zander Hello Mr. Zander,
I have recently come across your Mahler 5 recording with the Philharmonia Orchestra. As a violinist, concertmaster and now conductor I had quite a few experiences with the work, played and conducted by the most famous of orchestras and conductors dead and alive. This is, of course, an intensely personal piece and so I cannot say I fully agreed with every nuance or shaping of a phrase but I so enjoyed its spirit, freshness and the attempt to penetrate as deeply as possible to Mahler's state of mind. Being a serious, intuitive and thinking musician educated in the best schools I was especially happy at the emphasis you put on breaking the dreary tradition of the Adegietto's performance practice. Recently, at a rehearsal with my orchestra I asked the 1st violins for an "illusion of a ritenuto" coming back to the recapitulation of the 1st movement of Mozart's 29th symphony and when you said "the illusion of slowness" regarding the Adagietto I immediately decided to try and find a way to write to you. There seems to be an almost infinite amount of unscrupulous conductors these days but after hearing your music and words I will now safely continue my work knowing I am not the only conductor out there who breaks old molds, extinguishing the built-up cynicism in orchestral players by encouraging an atmosphere of discovery and fun and most importantly, having not only a personal interpretation but also musical integrity. Sincerely, Daniel Kossov. Daniel,
Thank you for your wonderfully passionate and engaging response to the Mahler 5th recording. Of COURSE you don't agree with "every shaping of a phrase" - I don't myself. I am performing it in a couple of weeks with my Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (ages14-18) and I find I am doing many things quite differently. But I am happy that we share joy in music making and realize how important it is to generate excitement, love and passion in our players - and through them to the audience. Keep breaking the mould! The world needs more of that. Happy Holiday Ben P.S. I love "an illusion of a ritenuto", that's all we need to set up the recapitulation, isn't it? Which country are you working in? Dear Ben,
I first learned about you through your book when it was first published. I was very taken by the book and am going to re-read it. Last week I found your TED presentation, and I want to thank you not only for it, but for the life you and your wife have lived in possibility. I've read several of your stories on the site (Nazareth, for example; the Swedish guy who became a conductor) and they reveal the living of the book you and Rosamund wrote. You are only two years older than I am, but I find myself wishing you had been my father as I was growing up. What an inspiration you would have been! I teach project management, and yesterday I began my class by showing your TED presentation, then asked them to discuss among themelves how it relates to PM. It was a wonderful way to begin the class. They were inspired and all agreed that if you were a project manager, they would gladly follow you. As an aside, I studied classical guitar with one of Julian Bream's students in the 60s, but alas, have let my skills deteriorate. Music is still my first love, however, and I am going to start acquiring your CDs. Warm regards, Jim Lewis, Ph.D. www.lewisinstitute.com Dear Mr Zander
I was so moved yesterday by your generosity for South Africa & for the whole of humankind. I listened to your rendering of Beethoven's 5th, my favourite composer, in the car after your presentation. You have transformed how I now listen to this piece of music & your passion has ignited a desire in me to live passionately, & with possibility. What a memorable experience it was and thank you for your joyful & inspiring message, your love of life and how you have touched the peoples of our land. Sincerely Clare Lalor Dear Mr. Wax,
Wanted to let you know with sincere enthusiasm how much Steve and I enjoy the BPO performances. Have yet to leave a performance in the last three years where we have not, at one point or another, been pulled to tears. I, Marie, moved to this area 10 years ago from New Mexico and feel like the luckiest woman in the world to be able to experience such deep, passionate and moving music for the soul. Particularly writing to you now to let you know how much we appreciate the addition of 'Orchestra Member Profile' to the concert program. Each member of the orchestra has a story and we feel blessed to be able to have a window into their unique being. Again, thank you and thank you to these gifted and dedicated members of the orchestra for sharing. Best, Marie Woolf and Steve Nill Thank you from the depth of my heart to you and your partner Rosamund for the profoundly beautiful Art of Possibility book. I'm reading it for the second time, after being given it many years ago by my sister. She's now re-reading it also thanks to me telling her I am...
I made a big move of countries in my life recently, from Sydney Australia to Berlin Germany, and have been facing many personal challenges in doing so, but I know that this move is the best thing I have done for a long time. I recently went through a real feeling of crisis and in conversation with a new friend I remembered your book, and knew that I must order it and re-read it. So I have been and it has honestly changed my thinking like it did the first time, and I've been moved to tears by it many times as I was the last time too, and I wanted to let you know that I realised how far I had slipped back into the measurement world at that point, and now I am feeling completely realigned towards the infinite possibility all around me. I have to fight my own calculating self constantly to stay with the central self, but when i am with her, I feel such enormous power within myself and that universal knowledge that things are possible, that I'd been framing as insurmountable. It's so nice to feel and think like this again. I am now rediscovering the courage to pursue my dreams without constantly telling myself I have no chance of success... blah blah blah! I wrote a letter to you and Rosamund in my journal of why I got my A, and so now I will head off to earn it. Again thank you - I have such warmth in my heart from this book, and a desire to pass it on, and to live by its practices and help others to do so too, with my creative talents. Best wishes, Eloise Recently, at one of our agent meetings we were all introduced to Ben in the form of one of his pre-recorded talks on Ted.com. In those 20 minutes, electronic-Ben transformed a large gathering of unmotivated people into a throng of emotional beings - crying and laughing until they left the seminar beaming with their eyes shining. Well hello there Mr. Zander,
I've finally bucked up enough courage to write something that's very important to me on your website. About 10 days ago my father arrived home from his 12 month tour to Iraq. Its been over a year and a half since I've last seen him. He surprised me with a visit to NEC last week Thursday. We only spent a few hours together, but they were remarkable. During that time, i asked him about his stay in Iraq and the first thing he said is that he is simply glad to be home with his family. I can only try to imagine what kinds of mental triumphs my father must have experienced during his stay in the sandbox. A few days later i called him to hear more stories and he told me that in order for him to survive in such a cruel place he had to think of his family and remember that he'll be coming home to his children and wife. A few months ago my father, along with a few of his soldiers, came in contact with a gun fight altercation and I ask him, "what was going through your mind when you saw his gun go up?" he said, "When my gun went up my survival mode switched on and I said to myself that one of us is coming back to our family and I guarantee that It'll be me!" This is my father's second tour to Iraq and hopefully his last. Listening to the stories that he has shared with me reassured the amount of love and positivity that i must share with my friends, family and even strangers. I found that walking with my head up and always smiling gives people hope for a safer and brighter future for our nation. My father walked in the light of possibility. He reminded himself the reason for being in Iraq. The reason to expand the possibilities of humanity. Although, this may sound a little strange, because most people thing he's there killing people, but he's not, he's annihilating the negative forces that surround this earth, by any means necessary; Which can include, a simple smile or shaking the hands of hopeful Iraqi's. I remind myself to walk in the light, share the love. My father has done so, and I'm extremely proud of him and SUPER happy that he's home with my mom and sisters!! Your student, Adam Eccleston III Well hello there Mr. Zander,
I've finally buckled up enough courage to write something that's very important to me on your website. About 10 days ago my father arrived home from his 12 month tour to Iraq. Its been over a year and a half since I've last seen him. He surprised me with a visit to NEC last week Thursday. We only spent a few hours together, but they were remarkable. During that time, i asked him about his stay in Iraq and the first thing he said is that he is simply glad to be home with his family. I can only try to imagine what kinds of mental triumphs my father must have experienced during his stay in the sandbox. A few days later i called him to hear more stories and he told me that in order for him to survive in such a cruel place he had to think of his family and remember that he'll be coming home to his children and wife. A few months ago my father, along with a few of his soldiers, came in contact with a gun fight altercation and I ask him, "what was going through your mind when you saw his gone go up?" he said, "When my gun when up my survival mode switched on and I said to myself that one of us is coming back to our family and I guarantee that It'll be me!" This is my fathers second tour to Iraq and hopefully his last. Listening to the stories that he has shared with me reassured the amount of love and positivity that i must share to my friends, family and even strangers. I found that walking with my head up and always smiling gives people hope for a safer and brighter future for our nation. My father walked in the light of possibility. He reminded himself the reason for being in Iraq. The reason to expand the possibilities of humanity. Although, this may sound a little strange, because most people thing he's there killing people, but he's not, he's annihilating the negative forces that surrounds this earth, by any means necessary; Which can include, a simple smile or shaking the hands of hopeful Iraqi's. I remind myself to walk in the light, share the love. My father has done so, and I'm extremely proud of him and SUPER happy that he's home with my mom and sisters!! Your student, Adam Eccleston III I was at the concert in Cape Town on Saturday night and wanted to thank you for a wonderful experience. I was inspired especially by your introductory talk, I can't really explain why, just your full-on enthuisiasm and energy just snapped me out of a longish period of depression. I thought "look at this man, you can be like that, stop whining and be great!" I live and work at Camphill Village West Coast a community that cares for adults with intellectual disabilities. We are striving right now to transform our organisation, to make it fulfil its potential as a place where all can fulfil their potential regardless of obstacles. I am Horticulturist there, and currently manage the finances. We have a population of 150. We have a number of Xhosa women working here in the group homes and on the farm. You have to hear them sing, it makes you weep! I know you have to be one of the busiest men on the planet, but please know that you are welcome to visit our community at any time for any reason! It is beautiful here, nature made more lovely by human industry. Do you know that the founder of the Camphill movement Karl Koenig and some of his colleagues and friends, were interned on the Isle of Man during the early years of WW2? On their releasethey went to a place just outside Aberdeeen where the first Camphill School was founded at Newtondee. This amazing young woman, a second year undergraduate(!) at Bryant University in Rhode Island, saw my TED talk on the web and called to ask if I would come and speak to her Business School colleagues. I was so struck by her passion over the phone, I agreed to do so, without fee, and suggested that she try to get some of the students to the upcoming BPO concert, which was the week before my talk. Lauren managed to get 295 students to buy tickets and to travel for over an hour, during Mid-term exams, for a CLASSICAL concert, with a conductor and an orchestra they had presumably never heard of! Begin forwarded message: From: "Lauren Amarante" Date: October 30, 2008 2:58:01 AM EDT To: bz@benjaminzander.com Subject: What an IMPACT you have had! Mr. Zander, What an impact you have had here! Thank you. I can only begin to explain the incredible influence your passion, experience and stories have had on those who were present for your talk. You will soon discover a package for you and your students from us here at Bryant. In it, you will read the many emails and personal comments that have been sent to me about you and the captivating (radiating) energy you dispel! This weekend I am having dinner with a business leader in Providence who came to see your presentation. This person was so incredibly moved and his thinking was so transformed that he has an almost urgent and ardent need to talk about it. When you said, back in September in your home, that one of your goals is to "start a conversation", I believe this is literally what you meant. There has been an even more prominent conversation disseminating throughout my college. I have been hearing "How Fascinating!" in the hallways, dorm rooms, late night talks, and even during class! :-) Moreover, during our entrepreneurship meetings, Tyler Fishback (our president), has been saying - "No 'DS' conversations. Only radiating possibilities." I can only hope that you realize the true impact of the "conversation" you have started at my school. It only began with those in attendance. Everyone walked out of your presentation that night with a mission to enroll others in your powerful conversation. This is because it is a remarkable one, full of optimistic opportunities, transformed leadership, new thinking, and fresh beginnings. From a personal standpoint, you will remain my role model for as long as I live. I have never before met someone with an ability like yours to captivate and enroll people so powerfully. By this, Mr. Zander, I don't only mean on stage. When you speak to a person, they feel like the only soul in the room, whether or not there are a couple hundred others milling around close by, waiting to do the same. Throughout the process of planning this event and bringing so many of my classmates to the concert in Cambridge, I was leading almost 20 core volunteers. As a sophomore in college, this was the first event that I and most of my team had ever organized for Bryant. So everyone placed the odds against us. We were not expected to efficiently motivate and gather up hundreds of college students to attend a classical music concert an hour away. In fact, before we could "enroll" our classmates, we had to actually "enroll" administration to believe in us! However, here is what I believe to be the ultimate key - I gave myself only one acceptable route - to inspire ALL shining eyes surrounding me, without leaving even one of my team members in doubt. Soon, each one of them was doing the same and before we knew it, a fifth bus order was called in! It all came back to your transformational talk on TED.com, which moved me to be aware every moment of how I am presenting myself - as a leader or not. To me, the prevailing driver of a happy and successful life is one's choice to surround themselves with extremely positive, passionate, hard-working, and inspiring people. Mr. Zander, you are the epitome of all of these traits. I hope to stay in touch with you throughout my life because your impact on it has been tremendous. Someday soon I will see you at TED and the World Economic Forum. When that day comes, I will thank you before anyone else. Kindest regards, Lauren Amarante (Factor) Global Entrepreneurship Program Bryant University (c) 203.715.5521 Dear Mr. Zander,
Thank you very much for the phantastic performance this afternoon! Your preconcert talk was very much enlightening and inspiring, and the performance of your orchestra was phantastic - lively and enthusiastic. The way you interact with your young and not so young artists is a real eye-opener and a true inspiration and the music the Boston Phil produces is divine. Sincerely, Franz J. Giessibl PS: I am looking forward to read "The art of possibility" which I just ordered. Prof. Dr. Franz J. Giessibl Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics University of Regensburg D-93040 Regensburg Germany Dear Maestro Zander,
The recent Boston Philharmonic concert, I went to, was on 10/19/2008 (with George Li). As usually I rushed to Saunders Theater to catch a pre-concert talk. With all my deep appreciation and love to classical music, I love these lectures as well as the performances. I enjoy both! The narration about up- coming music is so rich of content and at the same time thrilling, captivating, and expressive! The lecture runs smoothly in to the concert, which brings so much Joy and Pleasure! I am carried away by music After concert I always have a great after taste, having enriched and raised my spirit; I feel like I am a new person. Thank you for all doing this! After concert I was browsing the WWW and discovered your web site (shame on me, only now), and I began to read your stories I was impressed and intoxicated by your enthusiasm and enormous optimism, by the approach of giving rather than consuming (sure it is not that simple, but I hope You got the idea). I was amazed by a story how You met a young couple in the Hilton swimming pool and brought them a Beethoven CD! Unfortunately, I do not understand why classical music is not so widely popular in US, is not a natural part of US culture. Originally, I am from Russia, from the city of St. Petersburg. Ive been living in United States since fall 1993. Russia has an old rich history and tradition of classical music. Classical music was (at least in 1970s 1990s) a natural part of culture in St. Petersburg. The Great Philharmonic Hall was always full of people of my generation (being born in late 50s, early 60s). We went to the concerts after University lectures, after work; often could hardly get tickets (sold out situation was normal) after spending long hours in waiting lines outdoors in cold winter weather; and felt extremely happy being able to buy the so called entrance ticket, allowing you to get in the Hall and find any place to stand during the concert. And I enjoyed so many wonderful classical performances standing behind the sits! When I began my working career in US in one of the High Tech Companies, it happened so I met a colleague who in addition to his day job was a singer in Cantata Singers chorus. We made up a usual speech, I admitted my strong interest in music, and my colleague invited me to attend a Cantata Singers performance in Jordan Hall. I remember it was J.S. Bach Matthews Passion. Sure I was delighted by the music! But what was a kind of disappointing is that the audience consisted of most of all of the elderly people. I expected to see students, young people Unfortunately very rare faces. I was not used to it. Ive been living in US (as I mentioned above) already 15 years. I am attending classical performances in Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall, Saunders Theater, summer Tanglewood concerts. And I appreciate greatly that it is all possible! Just call tickets office or book tickets online! No long waiting lines outdoors! And still I do not get it how it is possible not to take advantage of this easy access to a great performances, not to enjoy the beauty of the music! I am really sorry about young who are even not trying to listen... They lose a lot! They lose big part of their life During the summer time there are a lot of outdoor weekend festivals of blues and jazz, and other kind of popular music in MA ( I am not saying this music is bad, not at allJazz and Soul festival in Salem, MA, is a great event!), but unfortunately we do not this kind of celebrations of classical music! And would it be great to have a summer classical music festival, free and open to public, attracting folk of all generations and background? Probably we do not have enough enthusiastic people helping to penetrate classical music into everyday life. That is why I highly appreciate your efforts, and passion, and enthusiasm to bring classical music to ordinary people, to make them exposed to the World of Mozart and Beethoven. Thanks You! Rema Levit, Swampscott, MA Hello Mr. Zander,
I am a 17-year-old African American student who lives on the South Side of Chicago. I heard a lecture you gave on classical music through TED Talks and it was on of the most amazing things I ever saw. I know I found a newfound love of classical music. Thank you. Your talk also inspired me to change the world with my passion, art. I hope to become a curator one day and give lectures as amazing as yours. My passion isnt only art, buy helping people see the joy of art. Thank you again for that as well. I can only imagine how busy you are as the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, but it would be wonderful to here from you. I need a list of classical pieces now that I found I love classical music! Once again and finally, thank you for helping me discovery a new love for music. ~Anthony Ladson Subject: Bawling
From: possibility@steveluscher.com Date: Thu, October 23, 2008 4:59 pm To: contact@benjaminzander.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by [possibility@steveluscher.com] on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 16:59:34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- REAL_NAME: Steven Luscher AREACODE: 604 PHONE: 628-9813 CITY: Vancouver STATE: BC COUNTRY: Canada COMMENTS: Hello Benjamin, I just finished watching your presentation at PopTech, and I must say that I completely bawled, via webcast. You took me back to richer times - back to my high school music education which, under the direction of Russ Baird, felt very much like your interaction with Nikolai on stage. Bravo! Steven ----------------------------------- Mr. Zander,
It was my distinct privilege to listen to your speech at MIT today. I later on came down and talked to you about Daniel Barenboim's lecture at Harvard two years ago and the doom and gloom scenario that permeated the room back then regarding the fate of classical music. I left your speech today feeling a lot more hopeful about where classical music is going and thank you for that. Also, it was a great coincidence for me personally that you briefly mentioned Beethoven's 7th Symphony before you played the Chopin piece and asked us to think about a loved one who isn't here among us any more. My dad played the 7th at home all through my childhood and although I enjoyed the 5th, 6th, 9th, 3rd, I never quite got the 7th. Then one day I happened to pull out the CD leaflet off Bernstein's Final Concert at Tanglewood CD and read the story, while listening to the 4th movement. Imagining him conducting the 4th movement while having to lean against the sidewalls of the stage, yet still managing to see the performance through to the end first made me get the 7th and then turned me into a huge classical music fan. Maybe you can figure out what happened, I don't exactly know. But again, thank you very much for all your comments today. Yavuz Kaynar MIT-Sloan From: Andrew Abdo
Date: October 20, 2008 9:38:32 AM EDT To: Stephanie Stetson Subject: RE: GIBS MBA Tour to Boston Dear Ben I am writing to thank you for the opportunity that you so kindly provided for our GIBS MBA class to sit in for the youth philharmonic practice session and your subsequent address with us on Saturday October 11. It was a wonderful few hours and the students could not stop commenting on the impact that the session had on them. You really touched 40 lives on Saturday and we really appreciate your time, energy and insights. What a wonderful opportunity to hear about the art of possibility first hand and to experience your passion with the YPO. Thank you for all that you have done for us. We look forward to supporting your tour next year in South Africa. Warm regards Andrew From: miriamlewin@lavinegroup.com
To: ken@landseerproductions.com Subject: fan mail Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:13:45 -0400 Dear Mr. Howard, About a year ago Ovation TV showed your film on Benjamin Zander here in the U.S. I taped it but didn't watch it until several months later, and now it's several more months later and I'm finally sending you fan mail. I appreciated the film as both a choral singer and a filmmaker. It reminded me of why I love to sing and helped renew my sense of purpose in music-making. When Ovation re-aired the film I sent a bulletin to the members of my choir. I was also reminded of how our work as filmmakers can make a difference in people's lives, and the importance of every detail to the total film. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Miriam Lewin --- Miriam Lewin Executive Producer Lavine Production Group 324 East 70th Street, #411 New York NY 10021 917-804-1870 miriamlewin@lavinegroup.com www.lavinegroup.com Mr. Zander:
I'm a sixteen year old student from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I'm an actual singer and I am planning to devote myself fully to music, which is my passion when I finish high school. Ever since our school principal showed us, seniors, you Shining eyes video, I started to read more about you an your ideas. I can't believe I found someone who shares my views. I would love to get in touch with you, if there's any way I could... Thanks, and good luck, Sofía. The Conductor never makes a sound . . . right?
Well, in listening now to several of the videos, DVDs and CDs of both Ben's presentations and also the BPO performing Beethoven's 5th and 7th, I have begun to hear that the conductor does make a sound. It is the sound of breathing. The sound of breathing is more than just the fluid turbulence of the vital intake of oxygen, and the exhale of carbon dioxide once the muscles have extracted and converted, but the sound of breathing is orders of magnitude more meaningful. A sigh at the end of the day - coming Home. The sharp intake of air during surprise. The rapid rhythm of excitement. The panting of exhaustion. All these breathing sounds convey more than just the physicality of our existence - they convey the emotion and passion of life. When I listen now to the Symphonies, I pay careful attention to when the Conductor breathes faster and more urgently, and when bows of the cellos accidentally strike the instruments in a flurry of speed, or when the Conductor respires gently and the piccolo of the violins is so soft you can hear the flicker of music sheets. Technically, these sounds are not part of the score. But remove them and the music becomes two dimensional. Include them and the music is animated with life and vigour. I wonder if we fully can know the effects of our breathing on others. The breath that sustains our physical life may also be the very breath that sustains our souls, in the hearing of another's. Hello Ben and Roasamund Wishing you a perfect day.... :-) I too am a teacher. (Of primary school children) But one who has had need of a rest. To give and give and give as I did, caused my love affair with my work to become "strained" and the relationship eventually broke down... But..... The "possibility" that there could be ways to transform the perceptions that I had, into a more manageable (and more importantly enjoyable) game board is indeed both an important and intriguing concept to me. I was thinking about going back to University do further study.... and I may still do that yet. After 20 years of teaching - there is still so much joy in "learning" for me. Thank goodness! And so - I just wanted to say "thank you" to both of you for kick-starting my study again. (I started with your book....) :-) Kia Kaha. Kia Maia. Kia Manawanui. Carol Your 'shining eyes': we're making them in Birmingham (Click to reply)
submitted: 8/14/2008 6:36 PM by: Jeane Goforth Mr. Zander,
The experience you provided my daughter, a cellist, several years ago with the National Festival Orchestra at Carnegie Hall changed my life and is now allowing me to make a positive change in other lives. You and a few others in my daughter's musical education gave so much more to the students than just instruction. I decided that all children should have access to music education and to such life-shaping experiences. In February, we started a program called Scrollworks,loosely modeled after El Sistema, teaching in an inner city school, a church, and other locations. But the magic place is Cave9--a rock club on Birmingham's southside. There we teach free music lessons on Friday and Saturday afternoons to anyone who walks in the door. Many of our students are from the housing project across the street. Some are there for every minute of the 9 hours we are open. We've had a trombone player who was homeless spend two afternoons with us. We've had a policeman stop his patrol car to teach a few drum rudiments out on the sidewalk. Music breaks down the barriers between age, economic status, race. You can see a video made by one of the students here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCrWYANyd7E I just saw your TED talk and am reminded of something we've been noticing lately at Cave9. At first, most people came in for drum or guitar lessons. But as the summer has wound down, we have had two string teachers busy constantly--and could have used a third. Since one of the long term goals of Scrollworks is to 'grow' a youth orchestra that truly represents the city of Birmingham--not just those who can afford private lessons--this is just delightful. Thanks so much for planting a tiny seed on a cold January weekend in New York. With much effort, we're going to change our city for the better through the art of music. I'm proud and excited that Ben and Roz are taking their unique gifts to this troubled land...I know that the effect Ben had on my life as an individual will be magnified by those thousands of individuals who take part in the activities. The possibilities for hope to thrive and people to live without fear are nearby. Good luck!
I was so pleased to read in "South Africa - The Good News", that you and
your wife are investing in the quality of the fine South African people and their profoundly complicated country by coming here to work with them this August. Life is such a beautiful circle. I first learned of you in the 1980's when I was a student at SUNY Purchase and was privileged to witness your presentation there. Then, only a few years ago, my life partner, Tony, came back from a weekend in Vinalhaven, ME and enthusiastically told me about an interesting couple he had met while walking the dogs at Lane's Island. We too are betting on the possibility of the South African people and their country, by making it our home. We returned to SA 3 years ago, after Tony had been away for 30 years. He returned to be close to his ailing father and to offer his medical services back to his country of birth. We believed the country is poised to thrive - with unlimited potential and find the people hungry to grow. Yes, there are many obstacles that exist here, but the majority of those we meet as we travel around the country (which we do often with dogs in tow!). We always say it took Moses 40 years to form the nation of Israel and SA is only 14 into the process . . . Good luck with your work here, and enjoy your time in this beautiful place. Kind regards, Nancy Krisch Dear Benjamin
I hope this mail finds you and Rosamund well. I also trust that you had a good journey back home from Johannesburg, South Africa and met your business obligations in good time. I write to thank you for a most inspiring talk at our conference last Saturday. I am sure you take away great memories of South Africa, my bank and of course Nelson Mandela. Your vibrancy and energy resonates at the Bank and everyone I meet throws their hands up in the air and shouts "How facinating". It is remarkable that you've had such profound impact on a group of Bankers, who most people take for being stoic and uninteresting. Also, thank you for opening my eyes and ears to classical music. I've always listened to classical music, but could not interpret and relate my reasons for listening. I now hear with new ears and am thoroughly enjoying it. I've glanced at your itinerary for your forthcoming SA tour in August. It is unfortunate that I may miss seeing you again, as I am travelling on business in Nigeria and Ghana. If business goes well, I may be back in time for your next encounter with Standard Bank. I hope to secure your autograph then. Keep well and regards to everyone dear to you. Best of luck with your business obligations and with the ochestra. Best regards, Vickey Ganesh - Johannesburg, South Africa (The land of possibility) Mahler's 3rd Symphony
Dear Mr Zander, If it were possible to distill happiness itself into the form of a CD, your recording of the Mahler 3 would be it! I bought it (and you signed my program, saying "You're going to love it!") at the Royal Festival Hall after your first Symphony. Of course, we music lovers are spoiled for choice these days with recordings and concerts of the most superb quality, and it is not every day that I am moved to write to a musician who has brought me great pleasure. What is different about you, though, is your desire to communicate music - your conviction (which I share) that if only people could hear and understand it, they could not fail to love it. Your pre-concert talks seem to be in the same spirit of muscial sharing - you do for Mahler's symphonies what Graham Johnson has done for Schubert's songs. It is a marvellous thing and long may it continue! With thanks and affection, Natasha Goldberg Mr Zander,
I attended your concert of Mahler's 5th here in Toronto at the Roy Thompson Hall and was profoundly moved at many levels. Thank you so much for helping Mahler reach through time and space into our hearts that beat in this tiresome 21st century. You've done him proud. - Patricia COMMENTS: I was forwarded the TED thing by a fellow musician and Suzuki
teacher. I was SO amazed. You are WONDERFUL!! I forwarded the link to all my other colleagues and family. It is SO refreshing to hear someone like you who combines music with such profound and positive ideas. It really lifted my heart to hear your presentation. Thank you. Dee Braxton-Pellegrino REAL_NAME: Mimu Tsujimura
CITY: Berkeley STATE: CA COMMENTS: Dear Mo. Zander, I have watched your talk on classical music, posted on ted.com, and I was immensely moved. You made me smile and laugh and cry, and I certainly had shining eyes! I am pursuing a career in operas and musical theaters, and I will always remember your definition of success. I sing because I want to see these shining eyes. If one person in the audience thinks, "I'm glad I have lived to this day," then I think I've accomplished something very special. Thank you again for such an inspirational talk, and I hope we'll meet some day and work together! Sincerely, Mimu Hello,
mr Zander, I just watched your talk on TED and I have to say it was one of the most inspiring talks I've heard about music. I myself am a musician, find myself quite passionate about it, so often I try to get others passionate about music as well, but you truly inspire people. There should be more people like you and I am sure 100% of people would be listening to classical music and try to understand it. It would be a wonderful world if people would see how calming and therapeutical playing music can be. with respect, matija Ben, how are you ?
What is music ? What is life ? Here in Brazil, they are the same... So thanks to make our life better with your music and attittude, and make our music better with your life and sounds ! We have a Human Resources Office Consultation here in São Paulo, Brazil, and we've learned a lot with you, your video, ideas and thoughts. We hope to see you as soon as possible in our city. Regards Danilo Dear Mr. Zander,
I don't know if you're familiar with the Washington Post article about Joshua Bell playing in the D.C. metro station. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html Well, in order to test the appeal of classical music to the general public, Joshua Bell set up shop in the Washington metro station and played some Bach on his strad for about an hour to see what would happen. As it turned out, hardly anybody payed attention to him and he made only $32. The article was a kind of dooms-day forecast for classical music. But when I heard about this "experiment", I laughed for I had conducted the same experiment myself several years back when I was only thirteen! Ironically, it was in the same city too. I set up shop in Washington Mall on a park bench along a dirt road, took out my cello (not a strad!), and played some Bach, but my results were quite different. Not only did I make more money than Bell - $60 in about a half-hour - but I received a warm response from all sorts of passer-byers. A businessman paused on his way back from lunch to listen for a while before heading back to work. A group of middle-school students on a field trip stopped by to ask what cool piece i was playing and offered some gummy-bears. All and all, it was a reaffirming experience. I've always felt that everybody loves Bach if you just present it in the right way. I remember my teacher Mark Churchill telling a story about musicians who travelled to a remote village in Africa to play for the locals. The players pulled out all the cliche pieces one might think non-efficianados would enjoy - Flight of the Bumblebee, etc. - but the audience was indifferent. Then a cellist played the Bourees from Bach Suite 3 and the children started to laugh and dance. Startled by this response, the musicians asked what was going on. The locals informed them that this was music they liked! I was thinking about my experience on Washington Mall recently - maybe I was just a cute little kid? maybe the warm response I received was due more to my age than to the music? I was on my way back home from school in Madison, WI sitting in a Chicago metro station waiting for my train to arrive, and then it hit me - why not give the "experiment" another go? I'm in a metro-station after all. So i set up shop again, grabbed a chair, and started playing what else but some Bach. I opened with the Prelude to Suite 1 and the acoustics were fantastic. I thought to myself I don't sound so bad after all, but business was slow. For the first couple minutes not a single person even lifted their head! My case was empty and I was about to pack things up, but then my fortunes turned. A guy gave the first dollar and then another added some more. Well, by the end of the hour I had made a respectable $40. Not the sixty I had made in my youth, but this time around something even more extraordinary had happened. People weren't just plopping coins in a kid's cello case on way to more important things, they were stopping to listen, to enjoy the beautiful music so at odds with the hustle and bustle of that Chicago station. Businessmen, cafeteria workers, college students all gathered around to listen. One kid about my age sat and listened for over 15 minutes. He told me it was the highlight of his day. Another guy, maybe in his fifties, told me he had just started the cello and hoped to play Bach himself one day. Many more just listened off in the distance, perhaps too nervous to approach me, but their interest was unmistakable. The best part was when this little girl, no older than four, came by and just froze, transfixed by the music. She couldn't take her eyes off the cello and her parents tried moving her along but she wouldnt budge. I quick switched to the c major bourees, thinking of my old teacher's story, but the family had already left. i thought that was the end of it, but a couple minutes later the girl came rushing back dragging her parents along with her. She came up to me, dropped some change into the case, and told me i was "weally good". i was on the top of the world! Cutesy stories aside, though, people really connected with the music I was playing. All types of people too, and I'm just a struggling college student! I've never bought into the defeatist talk that everyday people don't like classical music. It's just never been my experience. At school this year, I've been trying to play for anyone who will listen and the response has been overwhelming. My building had an "open mic night" in the fall so i thought i'd play some Bach and they loved it. I performed for them casually about three more times throughout the year and each time it was a smash hit. Then it came time for my recital in the spring and I had a coalition of converted classical-music fans eager to come hear me play. Over fifty people showed up and heard the music of Crumb, Cassado, and who else but Bach. And like I said, I'm just a struggling student! I'm still working on open strings! I think a large part of classical music's woes today lie in part to the defeatism within the classical music world, especially in its youth. Young classical musicians just assume that classical music is boring and lame and that they have to apologize to their peers for liking it - "dorkestra" as it's called. So many of my music friends hardly invited a single non-musician/non-family-member to their recitals. Well, I say classical music is actually cool and if you just play some Shostakovich for a hip-hop fan or some late Beethoven for a heavy metal fan they just might like it. I've seen it happen time and time again. These composers were just as much bad-asses as anybody out there today. I remember an article you wrote telling how you played Beethoven 5 for a classical-music-skeptic in an airport once and won him over. I too share your confidence in the power of classical music to transform not just the lives of the "sophisticated" and "elite" but of ordinary people as well. Hope all is well! Michael Tweed-Kent REAL_NAME: John P. Daley II AREACODE: 636 PHONE: 236-7985 ADDRESS: 691 A Trade Center BLVD CITY: Chesterfield STATE: MO ZIP: 63005 COUNTRY: USA COMMENTS: Ben and Roz I want to thank you for writing this book. I have struggled with school my whole life. I was labeled learning disabled... told I would never amount to much.I will never forget how many times I heard "you are so smart but you will never live up to your potential." I created so many complexes around these life experiances, I have gone from wonderboy to bankrupt. For the first time in many months I can see possibility. I really desire to live in it and sustain joy from it. I am writing the letter to my soul today, explaining why I got my first real A, the only one that will ever matter to me. I don't know how I can ever express enough gratitude for the spark! I really appreciate you lifting 20 years of mental subversion to the "fact" that I recieved low marks on exams. While I may never finish college, I now can look at it in a new light. I intend to radiate the possibility and be the spark. The downward spiral is no longer in control. Thank you so much! Yours Truly, John Paul Daley II --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed you, Mahler, and the NEC orchestra. What a terrific performance! It was really a pleasure to hear it done as a work of peace and affirmation rather than one of resignation. You really inspired the group to sound and perform better than I had dared to imagine---and what a great string sound! I could tell from your Walnut Hill masterclass this was going to have a special mojo about it, and it certainly did! Congratulations, and I hope the orchestra got as much out of the experience as we did!
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Dear Mr. Zander, I had only a few brief moments to speak with you tonight, but I wanted to again express my gratitude for having the opportunity to hear tonight's performance of the Mahler. After having read your blog on rehearsal preparation, one thing really stands out. It is apparent to me that you are not only concerned with the orchestra's overall musical experience, but you are very concerned with the human experience as well. It is really touching to see you refer to each person by name- not just instrument, and I also get a sense that you relate to each musician on a personal level. I'm sure the orchestra members really appreciate having such an attentive conductor. Again, thanks for the wonderful concert. Sincerely, Raquel Jimenez Mr. Zander: I have been listening to raft of cd's that arrived in the mail yesterday from Telarc. I wanted to tell you that the notes you spoke in the "5th" commentary on the Kindertotenlieder are great but almost too much to bear. We lost a child, at birth, in 1991. It was devastating to us, and heartbreaking to Mary's mother. Last Sunday, I marked the 32nd anniversary of my father's death. He was only in his mid-forties, and I was fifteen. When you speak of the coffin being a regular piece of furniture in the household, I know only too well... Still, we live, and I find healing in your words. Your father was right. You are a member of the healing profession. To live, to learn, to love, to leave a legacy. That's all I want to do. That's what you are doing! Keep it up, and know that we think highly of you, in Toronto. best, Julian. = Extending the reach of your life lessons (Click to reply)
submitted: 4/11/2008 11:07 PM by: Billy Lo Dear Mr. Zander,
I was fortunate enough to attend your wonderful presentation at an IBM Leadership conference last year. Since then, I have not stopped thinking about your teaching. The practices in your book, the Chopin music, and everything. To sum it all up, your teachings has changed my life. I couldn't wait to share your ideas with my family; but it's harder than I thought. Your book is wonderful. However, for a lot of people, it's much easier for them to absorb ideas through audio and video. I learned that BBC made a documentary called "Living on One Buttock". But there seems to be no easy way to purchase a copy of it. "The real power is in making others powerful". Are there any way to trigger some actions that open up access to videos such as "Living on One Buttock"? I think this will make a difference. And I hope this posting will contribute to it. Yours sincerely. Billy. (one of the many "Zanderized") [p.s. your concert in Toronto in April 08 was fantastic. I was thrilled to meet you again in person.] Dear Ben I am a very recent "initiate" to your world and what a wonderful, uplifting world it is! Thank you! I live in what I consider to be the most magnificent, beautiful city in the world, Cape Town, South Africa. I am a career coach and workshop facilitator. My main areas of interest are unlocking the immense potential that each of us has within ourselves to venture beyond our current horizons, and the introduction of classical music into the lives of people who have not yet experienced the joy of embracing this wealth of music. I was interested to read the message from "the guy in the pink shirt" at one of your performances who shared his experience of remembering his wife as a love lost. He refers to his emotions as you played Chopin. Do you remember what particular piece you were playing at the time, as I would like to experience something similar myself. Later this month I am due to facilitate a 2-day, interactive "learning to coach" workshop with a group of retired senior executives who have made themselves available to coach young managers and engineers making their way into the world of management. I intend using classical music as a means to stimulate certain states of mind during the workshop and was wondering if you could suggest a few pieces that would be appropriate to share with my group in learning about, understanding and starting to develop some skills in the context of coaching. I am especially keen to set up a good "introductory" session with music in which I will lead a general exploratory discussion on the topic of coaching as a valuable life tool for senior citizens who want to plough back some of their wealth of learning, skills and knowledge to the next generation. I will also be addressing those who will be undergoing the coaching, and would like to use suitable music that will assist them in becoming receptive to the experience of being coached. Your advice on the choice of music for this would also be sincerely appreciated. Thank you so much for your inspiration - I am so excited about combining my love of the classics with the work I do as a presenter, trainer and facilitator. Warm regards Graham McCulloch Cape Town, South Africa Saturday 05 April 2008 The Tall Man in the Pink Shirt - Fourth Row - Cried During Chopin (Click to reply)
submitted: 4/3/2008 11:28 AM by: [hidden] Mr. Zander,
We met in Orlando, FL when you spoke at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (AACRAO) conference. I was the "tall man, in the pink shirt, fourth row from the front, who cried during Chopin." A short time later, you and I were talking in the exhibit hall and I told you that the one I loved and lost was my wife. You asked me to send you this note as a reminder of our encounter. The Tall Man in the Pink Shirt - Fourth Row - Cried During Chopin Benjamin Zander asked the audience, in which I sat, to close our eyes and think of someone we had loved and lost...while he played a piece from Chopin on the piano...so I did. With my eyes closed, he softly began playing and I almost instantaneously lost myself in the music. I dreamed of my wife who I had loved and lost. During the first part of the score, I remembered the day Tina and I met, how we laughed, how we shared, how we loved. During the middle part of the score, as the music reached its crescendo, I remembered the birth of our two wonderful children, Christopher and Victoria, and the joy they brought to our lives. But, as the music digressed from its triumphant crescendo to its lonely and somber end, I contemplated the drift that snuck into our lives. And, with his final lonely note, Tina's hand slipped from mine. She was gone. Twenty-seven years of marriage had come to end. After his performance and speech to my college registrar colleagues, I had an opportunity to shared my Chopin experience with Mr Zander. When I finished, he asked me what I was going to do now. I calmly stated..., "Sir, I am going to go home, hug my two children, and give them both "A's." Sincerely, Dennis (the tall man in the pink shirt, fourth row, who cried during Chopin) Professor - One of my former students emailed a portion of your blog on the Mahler 9th Symphony to me and that compeled me to write this.
I discovered and read your book "The Art of Possibility" this summer and found it really exciting. Well, this former student of mine is studying at NEC, is a part of your orchestra, and thoroughly enjoying the experience (Elation is a better word). The student's excitement is heightened because when I discovered that you are a part of NEC, I bought "The Art" as a gift for two reasons. The ideas and concepts you present are life-forming, and it shows your "heart" to an aspiring young musician. I can tell you that this student's short time with you is already strengthing not only a musical foundation but a life-building foundation. Oh - I forgot to give you a name.. Look around your orchestra. I'm sure you will spot who I'm talking about. It will be easy..... I'll bet any student in the orchestra feels as my student does about their experience with you ............. so, look around and enjoy. As you know, Musical Academia can be filled with egos, so I would like you to know how wonderful it is for someone such as me to know that one of my students is in the care of a conductor that knows building people (musicians) is what re-creates the glorious music of the likes of Mahler. The music, the musicians, the person, in the hands of a life-building conductor - EVERYBODY WINS. Thank you so very much. Martin S. Johnson Dear Jamie, the copy of Mr. Zander's recording of Beethoven's 9th has safely reached me in Germany this week. I have had the most joyful experience in listening to it many times since then. The wonderful verve of this recording makes such a compelling argument that this is indeed the way Beethoven intended his symphony to be played! All the best and my sincere thanks for allowing me to enjoy Beethoven in this truly ectasizing way Sebastian Dear Jamie, the copy of Mr. Zander's recording of Beethoven's 9th has safely reached me in Germany this week. I have had the most joyful experience in listening to it many times since then. The wonderful verve of this recording makes such a compelling argument that this is indeed the way Beethoven intended his symphony to be played! All the best and my sincere thanks for allowing me to enjoy Beethoven in this truly ectasizing way Sebastian Dear Benjamin Zander As a governor of one of the schools in Johannesburg and as one of your ardent admirers, having attended one of your presentations at the Theatre on the Track I have two questions: When are you coming to South Africa again??? AND How can I prevent the school from "throwing out" Music??? Do you have more information, videos etc to assist in my process to convince the school of the value of music. It should be obvious but within the present climate of utilitarianism, and materialism it seems to get increasingly difficult. Kind regards wfheinz RE:HELP, HELP they want to throw MUSIC out (Click to reply)
submitted: 3/25/2008 3:48 AM by: benjamin zander I am coming in August. I will take it on when I get there. Can you hold out till then? Courage and Love Ben RE:HELP, HELP they want to throw MUSIC out (Click to reply)
submitted: 3/25/2008 3:50 AM by: [hidden] Lovely answer. Will try to hold out. Thank you
Dear Mr. Zander,
I hope you [and Mrs. Zander] are having a perfect day! I am a communications and leadership graduate student from Buffalo, New York. I was assigned at least twelve books to read for courses this semester. I plowed through them quickly before the semester even began so that I could manage the overcommitted course load I elected for myself! Your book is the only one I recommend to others. I think about it every day. Even the opening exchange with the young lady in the hotel restaurant pops in to my mind regularly. I have a presentation at the end of my organizational change course and I wish to have something more interesting to share with my classmates than the standard power point presentation. "The Art of Possibility" was at work on me when I awoke early one morning and thought that perhaps I could write a letter to Ben Zander. What would I write? What do I wish to share? What do I wish to gain? What response do I hope for from the Zanders? Would they get the correspondence in time? Would there be time to reply? I should not have been surprised to see the rich discussion board on line. It took very little effort to find this vehicle - - really just three clicks away from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra website where I began my exploration. I got a sense from your book that you didn't always view life exactly from the possibility vantage point. a. If that is mildly accurate would you please share with me what prompted you to elect this outlook. b. Was there one situation or any series of occurrences that moved you from a prior framework to this one? c. What made you wish to change? d. Which concept in your book to you notice yourself turning to most often and why? Thank you for writing such an effervescent and original book! With gratitude, Kelly DiFiglia Kelly,
How great to get your beautiful post. I will pass your letter on to Roz, who is the author of the book. It is true that she drew on my stories, experiences and insights as a teacher and a conductor, but it was she who delved deep into the philosophical ideas that underlie each practice, and, of course, she added her own experiences and insights from a life-time of therapeutic work with individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations. She is also a considerable artist in her own right (painter, see her website) musician (amateur violinist and, by now virtually a professional listener) and, as you now know, writer. Most of all she is an artist of human development. Her life has been devoted to what makes us adults. To answer your question, Roz has spent her life on a rigorous course of self-transformation (the only one we can actually do). I have, as you noted, muddled through 69 years of teaching, conducting and organizational leadership, suffering highs and lows of mood and effectiveness, working to master the practices of possibility and gradually becoming less and less at the effect of circumstances and more able to focus my attention and energies on contribution. The reason to do this, is the infinite reward that comes from seeing so many shining eyes around me. Indeed, my definition of success is not to measure wealth, fame or power, but, rather, to look for the shining eyes. Rule # 6 is the gateway to possibility, Giving the "A" is the cornerstone. The former I often forget (though I have the white sheets to keep me on track), the latter is now deeply embedded in my DNA - it is the greatest gift I have and the greatest gift I an give. Throughout this process, Roz has been my disciplined and compassionate coach. Warmest wishes for your wonderful project of bringing the practices of possibility to organizational change. There is no worthier endeavor Ben Kelly,
How great to get your beautiful post. I will pass your letter on to Roz, who is the author of the book. She drew on all my stories, experiences and insights as a teacher and a conductor, but it was she who delved deep into the philosophical ideas that underlie each practice, and of course she added her own experiences and insights from a life-time of effective therapeutic work with individual, couples, families, groups and organizations. She is also a considerable artist in her own right (painter) musician (amateur violinist and, by now almost professional listener)and as you now know, writer. Most of all she is an artist of human growth. To answer your question, Roz has spent her whole life on the most rigorous course of self-transformation (the only one we can actually do). I have, as you noted, stumbled gamely through 69 years of teaching, conducting and organizational leadership, suffering highs and lows of mood and effectiveness, working to master the practices of possibility and gradually becoming less and less at the effect of circumstances and more able to focus my attention and energies on contribution. Rule # 6 is the gateway to possibility and giving the "A" is the cornerstone. The former I often forget (though I have the white sheets to keep me on track), the latter is now deeply embedded in my DNA - it is the greatest gift I have and the greatest gift I give. Throughout this process, Roz has been my disciplined and compassionate coach. Warmest wishes for your wonderful project of bringing the practices of possibility to organizational change. There is no worthier endeavor Ben Dear Ben,
I hope this letter finds you well. It has been much too long since > I've had contact with you. I have never doubted that Saturday YPO > rehearsals, frequent BPO concert visits, and sightings of you around > Boston had a direct positive impact on my musical life, but having > moved on and away from it I have begun to realize its importance > more and more. I often find myself thinking back to many of your > principles and anecdotes to make it through the day here. > You have truly been, as you have been to many, one of my most > revered musical mentors. > > This winter I made a recording to enter the prestigious International Trumpet > Guild solo competition and have been notified that I have > been selected as a finalist and have the opportunity to travel to > the International Conference to compete in the final round this > June. What I am wishing to ask you is if I could play > the selections we are performing for you. Your insight has been > invaluable to me over the years, but also I fear that shooting for > this goal I may lose sight of some of the things that truly matter > in music making. This is one of the things you had always been keen > on keeping me in line with. > > Please let me know if we can ever find a time to get together. > > With much admiration, > > -Andy Stetson It was dawn in a lush valley in Costa Rica, and we had played music since midnight.
A moment of quiet fell and a woman stepped forward, and began to dance. It was stunning -- she extended her leg above her head, crawled in the mud, floated around the circle. This was a lovely woman named Tai, who recently retired from the Boston Ballet. The years of training and discipline in such a precise form made her instrument completely available, completely clear for her expression. Watching her I gasped. Other people sobbed. When I talked to her afterward about dancing, she said, "There's no way around the void. If you're going to dance, you have to jump in." Three Fridays ago Yelena jumped in the void, after Mr. Zander insisted that Brahms required it. There was a very obvious transition when she just started going for it. I think this is what Ben asks for that is often left out of music training. The discipline and practice piece is covered, but then you can't really make the music unless you let go. You have to give up on yourself. You can't reserve something to hold onto. I think it is the same thing as "beyond the fuck it." After class I went up to Yelena, to acknowledge how awesome it was to watch her PLAY. She said thanks, and "I thought I was going to die!" I think this is interesting -- does anyone relate to this -- how making art is like dying, because of the surrender. In Costa Rica I got to sing a lot, and got some wonderful feedback. It was amazing to not worry about how I sounded, but just give it up, under tropical leaves and stars and moon. I was also inspired, in particular by watching Tai, to go back to the rigor and the judgment that creates great technique. I want to be as clear of a vessel for music as she is for dance, so when I go for it, there is no obstruction. How do we get ourselves there without Mr. Zander shouting at us and pounding on our shoulders, and using every trick up his sleeve to block any other option? I thought it was interesting that he said whoever we are in May is who we'll be for the rest of our lives. How did other people respond to that? I feel confident that I will keep growing and learning and leaping off into possibilities beyond May. I understand what he was getting at, though. The high art music culture is very reserved, and often doesn't feel vital. Not to mention the culture in general. We are part of creating that culture. While we have this incredibly energetic teacher encouraging us - maybe we can create this oasis amongst ourselves. So then we have a little bubble of momentum for when May comes, and a feeling of independence. I think it would be interesting to get together with some of you and a) talk about our experiences in the class and b) play some music and coach each other to bring the music to life. See what we can do! I think having lateral networks across the class is as important for our ability to transform ourselves as it is to go to the class and be inspired by Ben's words and energy. Fear of our peers is I think a major obstacle to that letting go thing. I know we are a lot of busy people. Maybe if class is ever canceled again, those interested could come and we could try doing it independently. Or, schedule a time to get together? Any thoughts, feedback? Glad to be back, Allison Dear Ben,
Natalia Gutman was amazing, captivating, and reached right to my soul. You and BPO are just wonderful. I'm so grateful to have heard this concert. Thank you thank you Love Sajnicole Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld. Saj Nicole,
Thank you for your thoughts on Natalia Gutman. It remains one of the highlights of our musical lives and I am happy to tell you that she is coming back NEXT SEASON to play the Prokoviev Sinfonia Concertante. Love Ben Saj Nicole,
Thank you for your thoughts on Natalia Gutman. It remains one of the highlights of our musical lives and I am happy to tell you that she is coming back NEXT SEASON to play the Prokoviev Sinfonia Concertante. Love Ben Dear Ben,
Natalia Gutman was amazing, captivating, and reached right to my soul. You and BPO are just wonderful. I'm so grateful to have heard this concert. Thank you thank you Love Sajnicole Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld. WOW! I have never felt about the Tchaikovsky 6th the way I did tonight. I've heard this piece dozens of times, live and on recording, but have never heard a better performance and have never felt this moved. Of course I've known about Tchaikovsky's homosexuality, but I'm embarrassed to say that I never put together the story of his life with this symphony in any meaningful way. Tonight I heard the 1st movement not just as love music, but as sad, unfulfilled love music; the 2nd, a waltz in 5, as the expression of a man forever out of step with the dance; the 3rd as the energetic march of those who marched together in step, as he never would; and the 4th as heartbreaking grief for what would never be. Thank you! Roz and Ben
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Art of Possibility and what an effect it had on me, both personally and professionally. I'm 29 years old and recently started my own sports marketing consultancy. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to travel to Australia a few weeks ago to co-lead a 3 day sports marketing seminar for a variety of Australian sports organizations including the Australian National Cricket Team. Shortly before leaving, my sister suggested I read the Art of Possibility. So many of the philosophies contained in the book pertain to the business philosophies and lessons we try to share I was astounded. We actually teach the philosophy, "Revenue as an Outcome, not an Objective" which was very similar to your thought "Money has a way of showing up around contribution because money is the currency through which people show they are enrolled in the possibility you are offering." I wound up incorporating a few of your quotes and thoughts as part of the seminars (don't worry, you were properly credited) and I know from the feedback we've already received that it had a powerful impact on my new friends in the Southern Hemisphere. I wish you both continued happiness and success and please let me know if you are ever in Southern California for a concert or speaking engagement, I would love the opportunity to thank you in person for your continued inspiration! Warm Regards, Josh Kritzler Dear Jamie, Thank you so much for sending this wonderful copy of Beethoven's Ninth. It is certainly awesome to hear and extreamly thought provoking. Benjamin Zander is a hero; I feel drawn into Beethoven listening to this recording....such a wonderful spiritual experience! Thank you!! Joseph Begin forwarded message: From: premhid@webmail.co.za Date: February 14, 2008 8:33:55 AM EST To: sstetson@mac.com Subject: for Mr Zander Dear Mr Zander My name is Kameel Premhid. I am an 18 year old South African university student reading for my Bachelor of Arts in politics, law, philosophy, linguistics, afrikaans and isizulu (the latter two subjects are South African languages). I was given your contact details by my aunt Mrs Shireen Chengadu who is the Head of the Academic Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Sciences (GIBS) based here in Johannesburg. After she discovered that it had been recommended to me to read your and your wife's book, 'The Art of Possibility', she suggested i email you. The book is on the recommended reading list of the political youth leadership programme that i am part of. The course is run by the Democratic Alliance's (DA) Youth Leadership Academy. The DA is South Africa's official opposition to the country's ruling party, the African National Congress. The course seeks to identify and develop future leaders of our party crucially in the areas of leadership - which is where your book comes in. I have only read the first few pages but am already scribbling away frantically for I find myself being made to think constantly about what my perceptions of leadership are. I was fortunate to watch a documentary however on your 'unorthodox' leadership style last year in 2007. The documentary was presented to us by the School Counsellor who wanted the Prefects of our school to challenge our own leadership methods in order to inspire the school to take itself to better and greater heights. Our success was excellent and can be viewed -should you want to see it for yourself - at www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za. After watching the documentary our upbeat attitudes and constantly unrelenting we can achieve outlook on life inspired, challenged and i believe, helped everyone to do better. From that alone I look forward to seeing the effects your book has on my life especially in so far as my professional ambition of being a future South African President is concerned. We can chat about that at some other time possibly and view the progress I have made thus far Thank you for your excellent work and on behalf of the may people that have been exposed to it, I implore you to please carry on I hope you are well With Regards Kameel Premhid Durban, South Africa ------------------------------------------- South Africas premier free email service - www.webmail.co.za ------------------------------------------------------------------ For super low premiums, click here http://www.webmail.co.za/dd.pwm Dear Mr Zander,
It was an amazing pleasure and privilege of mine to perform under your direction. I don't think that anything could have made me fly as I have this past week. At the Severance performance, I practically floated up in the air when we stood. Thank you for coming to Akron, I am very glad we met. I'm writing an article for my school newspaper about the concert, your book, and such things. The school I attend is an art school; however, the principal and staff only seem to care about sporting events. The school orchestra is in the dumps, and the band director only cares about marching band. I would like to inspire and bring excitement to the music program, and bring recognition more to the arts. Do you have anything that you would like to say that would help? I would really appreciate it, as I am often made fun of or called a "loser" for going to orchestra concerts. This does not bother me, but wish I could show people that true art is not just for geeks, but for everyone. I share your dreams of touching everyone's lives with music, and I believe that it can be done. I read your book cover to cover because it was addictive, and I have grown alot from that. However, it is difficult to see my place, as a teenager, in taking leadership to get away from the "downward spiral." Everything our teachers say is comparing us and judging us, and my classmates are constantly comparing grades, or slandering teachers. I find highschool very difficult to tolerate because of this and wonder what I could do to make it through. Working with you has been the highlight of this year. Tonight I practically floated off my chair during the concert. My dad asked me to thank you for having the courage to schedule a concert at Severance because it was so amazing, and it transformed the orchestra and chorus. I hope to work with you again soon. Thank You, Hannah McIntyre For the hug, for what you do and for transformational inspiration...and for my opportunity to cheer for Bangladesh in the most unlikely of places! I hope you were able to reach Nashville in time.
Sayma (A Bangladeshi from the HR Conference in Toronto) REAL_NAME: Winnie Bakker
ZIP: Wisconsin Dells COUNTRY: USA COMMENTS: Dear Sirs/Madam, First of all I want to thank you for the wonderful documentary about Benjamin Zander and second I would like to ask how I can purchase a copy of the Beethoven 9th CD (the link to online purchase wasn't working). Yesterday I stumbled upon the documentary on the Ovation Channel and it moved me deeply. (I had to watch it several times) I teach A Course In Miracles and the concepts of the art of possibility and the experiences thereof that were expressed and demonstrated so beautifully in the documentary are very similar. The words are true and the experiences are real. Falling in love with everyone, remembering God. It's like being in an ongoing free fall. Total trust, not hanging on to anything, discovering the Universe, where no man has gone before... I felt very much at home entering into the journey Benjamin Zander was taking me on. So please thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he has done and is doing for the awakening of mankind to a whole new perspective, a whole new continuum of time. And thank you for being part of it. All my love, Winnie p.s I hope it's possible to hear from you soon about purchasing the CD. I would like to give it as a Christmas present to my teacher, who loves Beethoven and loves the 9th Symphonie, but as far as I know has never heard the interpretation of Benjamin Zander and the Boston Philharmonic. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all. REAL_NAME: Winnie Bakker
ZIP: Wisconsin Dells COUNTRY: USA COMMENTS: Dear Sirs/Madam, First of all I want to thank you for the wonderful documentary about Benjamin Zander and second I would like to ask how I can purchase a copy of the Beethoven 9th CD (the link to online purchase wasn't working). Yesterday I stumbled upon the documentary on the Ovation Channel and it moved me deeply. (I had to watch it several times) I teach A Course In Miracles and the concepts of the art of possibility and the experiences thereof that were expressed and demonstrated so beautifully in the documentary are very similar. The words are true and the experiences are real. Falling in love with everyone, remembering God. It's like being in an ongoing free fall. Total trust, not hanging on to anything, discovering the Universe, where no man has gone before... I felt very much at home entering into the journey Benjamin Zander was taking me on. So please thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he has done and is doing for the awakening of mankind to a whole new perspective, a whole new continuum of time. And thank you for being part of it. All my love, Winnie p.s I hope it's possible to hear from you soon about purchasing the CD. I would like to give it as a Christmas present to my teacher, who loves Beethoven and loves the 9th Symphonie, but as far as I know has never heard the interpretation of Benjamin Zander and the Boston Philharmonic. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all. Dear Benjamin,
As a participant in the World Economic Forum this year, I just wanted to write to you to say how inspiring your session of today has been - you have been able to touch all of us deeply with very profound insights on leadership - and what better than music to reach the innermost feelings of the leaders in the room ! Thank you A truly amazing experience - and thank you Klaus for giving all of us this unique opportunity Michele Luzi Dear Ben,
I recently had the beautiful experience of seeing the video, "Leadership: an Art of Possibility." It brought tears to my eyes for the deep truth it embodies. I'm trying to live by these principles in my personal and professional life, and have come across a sticking point... I teach engineering at the university level, both undergraduate and graduate students. It is not rare for me to come across a student who cannot seem to "get it" - despite every effort on my part to help them. Some of these students are not putting in effort, but others try very hard, but just can't seem to find learning strategies that work for them. I hate it when these latter group of students fail a class, but I'm also aware that I have an ethical responsibility to society to assure that the students we graduate have the needed competencies to practice engineering. For now, when a student fails, I try to console myself by asking if I would want to cross a bridge designed by that student, but it is not very satisfying. Any suggestions? Best, Sandy (also a musician who plays clarinet and sax just for fun!) Hi, I am Cassie Marusa, and I am an 8th grader at Carlton Hills in Santee, CA.
My mother, Jessica Marusa, has recently experienced your amazing corporate speech for Sharp. She absolutely loved it, and even demonstrated some of your techniques for me. I know you must be really busy, but I was wondering if sometime you can do a volunteer speech at my school for Avid. Avid is a program where students learn more about colleges and discover ways to stand out in average classes. I understand if this is impossible for you, and I'd like to thank you for your time. Also, if you have any tips when speaking in public, please feel free to tell me! I am president of my school and can always use some advice from a Pro. Thank you so much for reading this! Sincerely, -Cassie Maestro,
(I have never written to a maestro so it's kind of fun to use that instead of Mr). I attended the Sharp Experience on Jan.15th,2008. I was expecting another address on "working together for the common good (of Sharp, of course!) You were a wonderful surprise. I call myself a musician in that I have played music all my life and love all types of music. My area of expertise is not at your level at all;I'm a guitar, keyboard,electric bass player with no formal training but a pretty good "frame of reference" relating to music. I was so excited when I heard your message, your enthusiasm and passion is contagious. You made me think about how I look at family, work, life and I hope to regain some of the youthful energy and positive feelings I once had. During your playing and explanation of the Chopin piece, I thought of my 35 year old son, who I lost to cancer 3 years ago. I was moved to tears by your playing and the emotions conveyed. I guess I want to say thank you for uncovering some buried feelings in my life and showing me what I need to pass to my children and grandchildren. My question is fairly mundane, did you know Sir George Martin during the 60's or before? Were your worlds even close, and did classical musicians have any kind of rebirth relating to that time? I'm just curious, please don't tell me he was a hack (even if he was.) I have an emotional connection to European culture( mostly British and even Scottish and Irish ) The way you communicate, the history, the events that shaped your lives, and how European life experiences are so different, is fascinating to me as a postwar pampered American. We are a spoiled people and our sense of the past is only 200 years old. Our historical buildings date from the 1700s at best, while yours are at least a thousand years older. Ok, this is too long, I'll close again with a thank you for the gift you gave me and my co-workers at Sharp. Michael Allan Sharp Memorial Hospital San Diego CA. Ben;
singing with you today was just the tip of the iceberg in my 'transformation'. Happy Birthday to YOU and Ode to Joy were so inspirational. I know that you touched many many of the Sharp staff at the morning gathering today. When I got back to the office, yes, I did make it, although with a very very big smile, and all I heard face to face, and over the walls was wasn't that the best all-staff ever? the speaker was tremendous. I hope that we can incorporated just one of your ideas: Rule #6. That alone will help keep ALL of us grounded! Thanks again for your inspirations. I look forward to reading more on your site and listening to your works via CD! You are welcome back to San Diego and to Sharp Health Care anytime! Greg Ben,
Thank you so very, very much for this Friday. You have deeply touched my team. The messages coming through to me range from tears, to joy, to having been deeply inspired... to having laughed a lot ... something they did not expect to do. And a lot of them want you as an honourary uncle! The best part is that this morning will touch all parts of our lives. Tranformational indeed! You gave people the confidence to believe in themselves and think very big. Magic, in a backwater of Kentish Town! Many thanks again. You helped a lot of people on the road to change this morning, including me! Love, Juliet Ben,
Hello! My name is Rebecca, and I heard you speak at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit in August of 2001. I had just turned 17 at the time and I was entering my senior year of high school. I had recently suffered great loss; my best friend committed suicide and my grandmother had passed away weeks before the summit. My grades plummeted in school, I quit the basketball team, I stopped attending and being a leader in church, and my relationships suffered greatly. I had lost my trust in man, and lost my faith in God. I only attended the summit because I had signed up a couple of months prior and would have to pay a fee to back out. I did not attend the summit in person; I attended a satellite viewing locally. I watched the events on a screen and I felt distant from the summit itself, like I didn't quite fit in and had nothing to gain from it. The only thing I remember clearly from that summit is the presentation you gave. I remember they handed out a piece of paper with song lyrics in a different language, and I almost left! I felt out of place and wanted to sit in my grief elsewhere. I made the decision to stay for five minutes of your talk and then choose if I was going to stay or leave. Well, five minutes into it, I was hooked. In hindsight, what an amazing experience!! Hundreds of people were in on this satellite summit here in Orange County, CA, and they were all actively engaged and participating... SINGING happy birthday to a stranger who wasn't even in the room!! Then we sang AGAIN at the end! I still remember some of the words... froy der sher der... (sorry for the spelling errors!) I can't explain the way I felt in that room but I do know it is something I haven't experienced since. I remember you played a song and told us to think of someone we had lost, and I really felt that you were speaking directly to my heart. I immediately began to cry, for the first time since my loss. I cried for days. Even as I write this I have tears flowing down my face remembering how truly incredible that was for me. It was a spiritual experience and a moment from God... I knew it was exactly where I needed to be in that moment. Dealing with my loss wasn't easy for me. I made a lot of terrible decisions and spent a lot of time dealing with things in negative ways. I put that experience on the back burner of my mind. A few years after that summit my life had headed far downhill, and I believe I reached bottom. Luckily, people who care about me intervened and I found the help I needed. When I was on my road to healing and recovery, I found my notes from the summit in an old journal of mine that I was throwing away. I re-read the notes in 2004 from the presentation you gave, and I remembered vividly what that experience at the summit was like for me, and I remembered how it felt, and I cried! 3 years later the experience meant more to me than it did at the time. I made a decision that day in May of 2004 to make another change. I began participating in life. It started with sitting in the front row at school. My grade point average was a 1.0 when I returned to school! Participating in life has saved my life! I sat in the front and from there learned how to suit up and show up! Since, I have made some more changes and am thriving in my environment. I joined the student government at school and last year I had the honor to serve as the president. I was also named the "Outstanding Student of the Year" at my college! I was given the opportunity to speak at my commencement as well. What a change! How incredible my life is today! I constantly reflect on what I heard for the first time that day in 2001. That I have value! You taught me to get involved in life. To sit in the front row. I have found myself constantly reviewing my notes from that day, all of them about living differently and staying away from the downward spiral. They are tattered and torn, but something I treasure greatly. I now work in a helping profession, and recently stumbled across your website. I watched a short video clip of yours and it immediately brought me to tears. I have such powerful emotion tied to the message you give because it was a lifesaver for me. So... in conclusion, Thank You Ben Zander. Thank you for being such an inspirational, motivational and incredible man. You have truly touched my heart in a way no other person has. I am eternally grateful for the work you do. Sincerely, Rebecca Cunningham P.S. I wanted to ask, is there a way to get your DVD at a reduced cost? It is just for my use and the cost seems a bit high. I've began saving for it but I feel it will take me quite a while. Also, Will you ever be speaking in California at any event that I can attend? Rebecca,
What a beautiful story! Your sharing will certainly give others hope that their lives can be transformed for the better... Best, Sandy Dear Yiyin,
I am still pretty stunned by your playing of the Schubert in class. You are amazing! The look on your face when you understood how to make the different parts work in one tempo was simply priceless and I won't forget it! It is moments like that, when suddenly magic happens, that makes my life as a teacher so incredibly rewarding. Thank you Warmest regards Ben Zander Dear teacher Mr. Zander I am so happy that you send me email. Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful class everyweek. Everytime I learnt so many things from you, not only about how to play the music more about is upgrade the whole spirit and I can feel different from everything I see and I do. This class has changed my life. Thank you again for everything you giving to us. It will works till the end of my life. Also, I need to say sorry about my english, I dont know many fancy words, everytime you read people's white sheet I feel so sad, you know that I have the feeling but I can't speak out. I will work on my english hard. Thank you again, and see you on the wonderful friday. your student Yiyin Dear Ben
I'm so thrilled that you came back to Uppingham and there is already a remarkable ripple/ radiation effect going on. The whole place is having conversations about your visit and the sessions. Thank you so much! I have asked Fiona to arrange for the blogs etc from our intranet to be put on to our website so you (and others) can see what is being said by some of the pupils. There are sceptics too, of course, and that is all part of the excitement and challenge. For me, the biggest privilege was sitting in on the Sunday evening session in the Drama Studio, but the whole thing was just great. Did you ever get to see the new Paul David Music School? I've been asked by some pupils if they can email you but I don't want to give them this address which I assume is your private one? Should they use the address on your website? They have some questions, which is really encouraging. Thank you again; I hope your travels have gone well and that you enjoyed the return visit- and I hope it helped to heal some memories for you, too. Yours ever, Richard Dear Mr Zander, Yesterday you came to visit my school at Uppingham. I was really inspired by your talks about possibility and I have a very different attitude to other people since hearing you talk about it. Thankyou so much, it was a life-chaging talk Felicity Greenish RE:Your Talk At Uppingham School (Click to reply)
submitted: 11/26/2007 11:04 PM by: benjamin zander Felicity,
I am so happy that my presentation made a difference to your attitude to others. It was a special privilege to come back to my old school after 54 years. I wonder how many other kids thought that they had had a "life changing" experience? warmest best wishes and give at least one person an "A" today, whom, you had previously given a B minus. Love Ben Zander Dear Mr Zander
I didn't get a chance to thank you after you gave your talk to the Kent headteachers. So my message is just that - thank you so much. It was a pure joy to be inspired and to share the experience with my colleagues. PS I'm not a headteacher or even a teacher but I don't think it made a difference to the impact. What a delight to hear from you! I had a wonderful time in Kent and, of course, Possibility applies to everyone. I was especially moved by the young guy who said at the end he was Gobsmacked. His whole demeanor (sorry, I lost my "u"'s somewhere along the way during 42 years in America) was transformed. He was the best possible example of Possibility in action.
Warm regards Ben Hi Ben,
Last year a client of mine recommended I read "The Art of Possibility." The book reasonated strongly with me and I find myself giving away copies of the book to various people who crossed my path. I have tried to introduce some of the ideas to family members and co-workers, with varying degrees of success. Like most new ideas, receptiveness varies greatly. I am interested in learning about workplace situations where "staff" members were able to effectively engage "possibility" thinking into corporate / structured situations. Situations such as employee evaluations or dealing with difficult people or difficult situations are of particular interest. As an engineer, I am used to working with straight-line thinkers (focused on "standards") who may miss opportunities for creative, collaborate, and innovative approaches or solutions to issues. I am interested in engaging in dialogue with other technical professionals with similar interests. Thank you for your extensive website and this forum. Lori PS Any chance you will be speaking or conducting in Phoenix, AZ soon? Good morning, Mr. Zander:
I am a retired Lutheran pastor and I now have time to explore the music of Mahler in much more depth than I ever had before. Also, having lived many years in Connecticut, I grew to love the music of Charles Ives, especially Ives' Third Symphony, "The Camp Meeting." I know that Mahler took a copy of the Ives Third to Austria with him in 1911 but died that year before he could perform it there. Your performance of the Mahler Third and your lecture about it on Telarc have helped me to appreciate Mahler's Third on a deeper level than before. And "reading between the lines" of your lecture, I now understand more clearly than before the deep affinity which Mahler must have felt with the musical rebel Ives. Both men loved to combine the musically sublime with the grotesque, discordant sounds of nature with Viennese elegance, military marches with sad laments, etc. Ives' Third is like a miniature restrained reflection of the huge Mahler Third. Of course Ives refrained from bringing the human voice into his Third, but it is obvious from Ives' songs that he was not a good writer for voice and his Third Symphony reveals that Ives was aware of that weakness. Do you by any chance know of any comments which Mahler may have written, or which others may have overheard from Mahler, concerning Ives or his music? Thank you for the music and the insights into it. Respectfully, Roger A. Newton Philadelphia, PA COMMENTS: Mr. Zander,
I was fortunate enough to have had the privilege to hear you speak at our conference in San Francisco yesterday. (I happened to be in the back row and you gave me a front row seat! Thanks!). I was compelled to write and let you know that not only did you keep me (and my colleagues) completely engaged and entertained, but for me personally you have stimulated not only a new found perspective for coaching and engaging my people, but you also instilled in me a new found interest in classical music. I grew up in a musical family of singers, accordion players and guitarists (I play guitar myself - I own 4 of them) and I have been lucky to have been surrounded by music all of my life. However I was never exposed to classical music. My exposure was to folk/traditional, irish/rock/Jazz/Blues/contemporary music because I grew up in a very small town in Newfoundland and this was the most popular music of the time AND it was what my parents listened to. I became very closed minded in my musical interests and tastes. However, when you played the Chopin piece yesterday and asked us to think about someone we had recently lost - it was as if you switched on something in me that was new - I actually "felt" the piece and I have never been so moved by the beauty of music, nor did I ever grasp the "emotional expression" of a piece of music so strongly. I have to say that sitting there amongst my peers I was reduced to tears - not only because of a recent loss of a close friend, but I simply closed my eyes and became lost in the piece -I THINK I TRULY LISTENED AND HEARD MUSIC FOR THE FIRST TIME! And I have to say that I loved it!! The final piece you played (I think you said it was Motzart?) once again - I was able to truly listen to the wonderful sounds that emanated from the piano and went through the room. I was lost once again. I really appreciated how you worked with the cellist (Charles) and helped him to "bring out" even more wonderful tones by changing the pace and the emphasis of specific notes. It was truly amazing for me to watch and listen. I think you have created a "new" classical music fan!! So the purpose of this missive is to thank you for opening this accountant's eyes to musical wonder and beauty that had previously escaped me. I also want to thank you for inspiring me to inspire, to consider "possibility" and move away from those "downward spirals". You are truly inspirational ! So thank you Mr. Zander and I hope you have a "Perfect day" and may all of your errors/problems be "fascinating"!! Best regards Steve ps you mentioned a CD set of classical music with accompanying commentary about underlying meaning of the music. I would love to find and purchase this as my second step in my metamorphosis into a true and appreciative fan of classical music. So please let me know the name of the CD so I can start my new journey into the Classical Realm! Steve,
It is very moving for me when I hear a story like yours. The CD's are to be found at Telarc or you can go on Amazon.com. There is one by Beethoven (5&7th symphonies) and Mahler's 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th symphonies. ALL of them have a complete full-length free CD that explains the music, so if you listen to all of them you will certainly get a pretty in depth musical education! Happy listening Warm wishes BZ Hello Ben,
I recently read your book The Art of Possibility and absolutely loved it. Not only was the content so valuable but the anecdotal stories were so entertaining. It was the best book I have read in a LONG LONG time....I know that you probably hear this praise all the time but after reading the book I feel duty bound to ask you for a favor! I am the 7th grade level chair at a school close to Atlanta and we have been working on implementing teaming amongst the school. I have 4 team leaders who work below me and they are fantastic human beings. I am constantly thinking of new ways to make the 28 teachers in my department feel like they are appreciated and to help encourage them that they can make a real difference in the lives of their students. I write them silly poems and find inspirational short stories to share with them. I will leave a white rose on their desk and do raffles for little token gifts. However, after reading the story you wrote of the woman who was in debt and asked her mother for money every year to make ends meet I thought of my situation. I am always doing LITTLE things- never anything HUGE that will make such an impact that will stay with my teachers. The advice you and Ros gave was for the woman to go and ask for a larger amount of money in order for her to change her life. So....with this knowledge in mind I come to you asking for something. It is my wish that every single teacher in the 7th grade at my school have a copy of your book in order for them to feel the emotions I felt and for me to be able to share with them your remarkable insights. However, as I am sure you are aware, (being a teacher yourself) I do not make the type of money that allows me the luxury of buying whatever I want for them. (Well, I could but my husband may get annoyed as the mortgage bill would go unpaid one month!!!!) I was wondering if you, or Penguin, could possibly donate 28 copies of the book. I am sure that you are probably thinking that I may be out of line to ask, or that it just isn't good business for you, or any number of things....but....I figured I could just ask.....The worst you can do is just say "no" or ignore me completely I guess! I am a big believer in human kindness, and after reading your book, I sense you are too. You encourage people to think big as demonstrated in your school visit with your orchestra. So...that is my big wish for the moment. The teachers at my school work so hard and give so much everyday that they deserve a little pat on the back. Your book would be the gift that would keep giving.... Please let me know if there is anyway at all you could help me with this dream of mine. You are an incredible writer and I look forward to hearing back from you.... Thank you so much.....Have a great weekend.... Lizzie Haber 7th Grade Level Chair- AMMS Social Studies/ Science Teacher Special Education Lizzie,
What a beautiful letter. I would be happy to buy the 28 books from Penguin and send them to you. I will try to get Roz to sign them if she will be in town before they are sent, but I will certainly do so myself. Incidentally Roz is the "beautiful writer". It sounds to me as though you are doing incredibly valuable work. What a joy it must be for the teachers to work for you! Who knows, if my travels take me to Atlanta, I might pop in one day!! Loads of love and warmest best wishes Ben Dear Ben, I trust that you're well and that you're flying on that infinite arc of possibility that you so eloquently etched into my consciousness when you came into our part of the world bringing with you such a palpable zest for life. I do hope that you have now been able to hear our chat together, it is of course still available as a link on my recent podcast listed on the right if you click on the link below. I do hope to see you when I visit New York sometime later in the year. The head honcho of South African football, Dr Irvin Khoza whom you met briefly outside the Melrose Arch hotel was most touched by your profound suggestion regarding the penalty rule and each time I meet him he reminds me of you. Fondest regards, Victor
http://victordlamini.book.co.za/ Dear Victor,
It was exciting to have a chance to discuss the possibility of a rule change in soccer with the man actually in charge of the game in South Africa - especially with the World Cup coming up so soon. I have always lamented the introduction of penalty kicks as a way of ending a drawn game. It is neither soccer, not a fitting way to end, because it is so heavily weighted to test a single player: the goal-keeper. A TEAM game should never come down to the success or failure (or luck) of a single player. Rather my solution that, after overtime, the teams be reduced to 7 players, puts the pressure where it belongs, on the skill and endurance of the seven best players that each team can muster. It would be exciting and certainly provide a speedy conclusion. Most important of all it would be soccer, not another game called Penalty Kicking. Can you ask Dr Khosa if they would introduce it into a few games there, so that people could be asked to respond. The publicity around the soccer world would certainly draw some welcome attention to South Africa during the lead up to the World Cup. It was wonderful being with you. It seems that another visit to Southy Africa is being planned for next August, with performances of Beethoven's Ninth! Warm wishes Ben Dear Mr Zander
Do you remember me from your visit to Kuala Lumpur roughly around 3 years ago? You conducted Mahler 9th and I was the one who commented that you reminded me of the great Stowkowski. Thanks to your inspiration, in reference to the art of possibility, I am finally achieving my dream of pursuing a career as a classical violinist at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama! Are you planning on making any tours to Glasgow? Would be nice to see you in action once again! Cheers Jia Weii Jia,
I do remember that comment. I accepted it in good grace: Stokowski was one of the most blatantly manipulative conductors who ever lived (he was born Leo Stokes in the East End of London and cultivated a foreign accent to go with his new name and exploited his magnificent profile and mane of flowing white hair to add to the myth of the Maestro. However he was also a magnificently talented musician - though often (some wouldsay always) exhibiting questionable taste. To some extent, the sound of the modern symphony orchestra, certainly of the Philadelphia orchestra, was influenced by Stokowski's remarkable concet of sound. He also felt free to change the composers' music as he pleased. I have a very different modus operandi. I believe that being the ruthless servant of the great composers is a more worthy path. However, it is flattering to be told that one reminds someone of a larger-than-life figure of almost mythical stature - so I accept the comparison with a large dollop of Rule No 6! I am very happy that your brush with Possibility in Kuala Lumpur led you to follow your dream. I was just in Scotland. I wish I had known. warmest wishes Ben Dear Benjamin and Rosamund Zander, I just finished reading your book "The Art of Possibility". As I read it, I was frequently moved to tears. It brought into focus a world that I once believed existed, but one that I felt was gone from my life forever. In the book, in almost every passage of the book, I heard once again the faint murmuring of a voice that had stopped singing to me a long time ago. I am a man nearing the half-century mark. For the better part of my adult life, I worked as a technologist and team leader at General Electric and, as a single parent, raised two wonderful children- a girl and a boy. Then it all began to unravel. In October, 1999, while I was in Brazil on business, Bina, my daughter, was struck by a hit-and-run driver as she was returning home from a walk with her dog. The phone call bearing the news came in the middle of the night. By the following morning, as I walked along Copacabana Beach, the sand turning gold and yellow and sliver in the first light of the morning sun, Bina was pronounced dead. In reality, she had been dead from the moment her aunt and boyfriend had found her, hours earlier, at the edge of a road next to her dog. It took me a few years to feel the full impact of the loss. Bina and I had been close- spiritual twins, some people used to say. She was my daughter and also my best friend. She was a sister to Eric and also her mother. We were a tiny little world unto ourselves, held together with a powerful sense of belonging. When the realization finally came that Bina was gone, I was wholly unprepared to deal with it. In my characteristic way, I tried to face the "problem" head on. Over the years, I had developed a false sense of confidence in my abilities. I could do anything I set my mind to, I believed. But here was a force that I did not recognize, one that did not seem to bend to my will. I fell into clinical depression, and into the bottle. By August of 2003, I was barely able to function. Unable to cope with unrelenting pressure in my chest, a grief that did not seem to have any malleable form, and the shame of not being able to give any support to my son even as he asked for it, I attempted suicide. I failed. I spent the rest of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004 in and out treatment, most of that time inside a treatment facility in Upstate New York. It was then, while I was still inside the psychiatric facility, that a friend sent me a copy of your book. I read the first twenty pages and sat it down. Salvation, not enlightenment, was what I needed, I thought. After I left the hospital, everyone agreed that it would be a good idea for me to get away for a while. I came to Bangladesh- the place where I was born, and where my youngest brother and my parents still lived. I was in Bangladesh for a few months, recovering, and preparing to come back to the States when, one early morning, I received an urgent message from my son to call him. It was 8 o'clock on the East Coast, on a Sunday evening in August. It was my son's trembling voice on the phone that told me that the thin and tattered lifeline that I had been holding on to so tenaciously was about to snap. Earlier that day, Eric, my son, and his girlfriend were on their way to have dinner with his mother and grandmother. A few blocks from home, still inside the development where we lived, Eric remembered that he had left something behind. He turned around and headed back home. As he rounded a corner, he noticed a man crossing the road in front of him. The man, he recalled later, had already made it most of the way across the street. Still, Eric concluded that he needed to take evasive actions to avoid hitting the man. As Eric turned the car to the left the man turned around and headed back in the direction he had come from. Man and car, flesh and steel came together in a flash. The man flew over the top of the car and came to rest on the grass by the side of the road. Eric panicked, fled the scene, and drove home. I pleaded with Eric to turn himself in to the Police, but he had already made his decision. He said to me: "Dad, you raised me to respect life, all life. I can't live with the knowledge that I may have just taken one. There is only one solution to this problem." Then he hung up. In that moment, it occurred to me that those were the last words that might ever be spoken between us. I started getting ready to leave. In between my preparations, I called our home every few minutes, but nobody answered. Eric was nowhere to be found. No one knew where he had gone. As it turned out later, he had gone walking in the woods behind our house. Late that night, Eric snuck back into the house. He made himself a comfortable resting place in the bathtub, and cut both wrists. Maybe it was luck, or Divine Intervention...I will never know. But, at 6 in the morning, Eric's girlfriend came by the house looking for him. She discovered him in the bathtub, lifeless. When they wheeled him into the emergency room and from there to the operating theater, his blood pressure had dropped to zero. Luckily, the doctors managed to revive him. Later, the surgeon who repaired Eric's severed wrists, and brought him back to life said that he had come to within minutes of his death. As Eric was fighting for his life, the man whom Eric had struck lost his in a different hospital, leaving behind a wife and two young boys. What followed was six months of legal wranglings, blames and recriminations, threatening phone calls, and relentless news coverage vilifying Eric as a heartless monster who deserved to die. I tried to console myself with the knowledge that Eric was not a terrible human being. In fact, I knew him to be one of the most sensitive and empathetic people I had ever known. In March of 2005, it all came to its inevitable end. Eric was sentenced to 4-8 years in prison. He sobbed as he stood for his sentencing. After Eric was taken away, I locked myself in the house, unable to eat or drink. Days and nights passed, then became one. The patterns on the walls came alive and turned into monsters, and I entered a world of visions. One day, I came to, face down on the hallway floor, with deep gashes on my forehead and legs, bleeding in a field of broken glass. Unable to stand up, I crawled back to bed and passed into oblivion. A few days or weeks later- I really don't know how much time had passed- one of my neighbors found me in bed, unconscious. I was admitted to a local hospital where I spent two weeks in the Psychiatric ward. When I was released, my youngest brother escorted me back to Bangladesh. That was May, 2005. Since then, I have lived here in Bangladesh, convalescing, and swinging like a pendulum between the two opposing states of hopelessness and tentative joy. I have tried to rebuild my life, by finding a job and exploring business opportunities. I have contemplated writing a book or making a film- the two things that have always been inside my gut, always churning. But nothing seemed to come together. The larger world seemed always just a bit beyond my reach. My frustrations grew. Try as I might, I just couldn't work it out. Then, about a month ago, I picked up your book once again. When I came to Bangladesh two years ago, it was one of the few personal possessions I had brought with me. It had sat on my bookshelf all along, pressed between other half-digested books. I began to read. From the very beginning- from the very moment the little girl in a London hotel turned, smiling, and walked out the door into a world of possibilities- the book took me by the throat. Every passage, every observation, every personal story seemed to speak directly to me. Here, at last, was a concrete description of the magical world I once thought existed. Words and passages came to life and began to sing. And, for the first time in many years, I could feel the beating of my heart. I realized that I have been living in world of downward spirals: I am a failure... I have thrown away my whole life... I don't fit in here...New York is where I belong... Maybe if I had been with Eric on that fateful Sunday...Maybe if I hadn't pushed Bina away in the summer of 1999...Maybe...Maybe. I was living in a morass of self-pity and blame and utter selfishness, a world devoid of any beauty, or grace, or possibilities. I realized also that I was trying to do once more what my education and exquisite training at GE has taught me- to become the master of my own little universe, to dominate it, and to "make it happen." I realized that I was trying to squeeze the world into my own little box of expectations. And, in the process I had stopped listening to the beat of life itself. Not anymore. Your book has taught me to stop becoming the conductor and start becoming the player. I wake up every morning now and prick my ears to the possibilities of the day. I have found the grace to forgive myself for the mistakes of my past, real and imagined. I have found the courage to let myself become the board where life may set up its game. Still, old habits die hard, and I find myself falling back to the ways of the past. But, at least now, I am finely tuned to its chatter. I don't know how things will turn out. I am even less sure of what my next move will be. But, no matter. I will first listen to the rhythm of life. To paraphrase Anna Quindlen: I'll show up. I'll listen. And I'll try to laugh. Thank you for this wonderful gift in its bright yellow wrapping. Thank you for the gift of hope. With Best Regards, Jonathan Munshi P. S. I am planning to send a copy of the book to my son. I think he needs a little grace too. RE:Thank you from the bottom of my heart (Click to reply)
submitted: 8/31/2007 11:25 AM by: benjamin zander Jonathan, I was deeply moved by your letter, especially by your bravery in the face of what seem insuperable odds. I was wondering if you might allow me to put your letter up on my web- site? It seems to me that your story, your courage and your new discoveries could be an inspiration to so many people. I can imagine others reading your story and pulling themselves out of their despair and rediscovering the "rhythm of life". Perhaps, this is where your new path lies - in your extraordinary ability to articulate in simple moving terms what it is to suffer; to finely attune one's ear to the chatter of "old thinking" and to emerge with new energy and purpose. If you could do that, in writing, speaking, sharing, it could make a difference to so many people. It made a difference to me today. I send my love and the grace of possibility. Roz says: POSSIBILITY IS ALWAYS ONLY ONE SENTENCE AWAY. Did you send the book to your son? Warmest wishes Ben Dear Ben and Roz: I am not sure how to express my sentiments at this moment, after reading your email. It's would be an understatement to say that I am overwhelmed. Your kind and encouraging words have given me immense strength! I was also moved- and bit shaken- by your suggestion that I let you post my letter on your website. I hadn't really counted on sharing it with anyone, except for you and two of my closest friends and, of course, Eric. But, if my experience serves as a source of inspiration, as you suggested, to even a few of your readers, then I am ready to do just that. As one of those two friends said to me: "Look what an impact that book had on you! But, if the Zanders hadn't written the book, if the people in the book hadn't had the courage to share their stories...?" So, yes, please feel free to post my letter on your website. Thank you really for taking the time to write to me. It meant a lot to me, especially given the fact that you're both very busy people. I have yet to send a copy of the book to Eric. I am planning to buy it online from Amazon in the next few days, have it delivered to a friend, who can then hand-carry or mail it to him. (I don't know how the prison officials would feel about receiving a package from Amazon.) Bangladesh is a country that is in a perpetually downward spiral. There is so much potential here, yet all of that is forgotten in the struggle for survival, for getting ahead. There is, in everyone- well, among the business and political leaders- a palpable sense of urgency, as though the sky will fall tomorrow and they must take whatever they can now and run. It's all win-lose. I hope these people could hear your message. I will be looking for opportunity to someday bring you here :-) The father of one of my aforementioned friends is the preeminent scholar of English and German literature in Bangladesh, and carries the honorary title of "The National Professor of Bangladesh". His name is Prof. Kabir Chowdhuri...an extraordinary man, scholarly and full of humanity. Prof. Chowdhuri has translated many of the important literary works of English and German languages into Bangla. I plan to let him read your book. I would also like to see him someday translate your book into Bangla. Wild thought, but one that is intriguing. If and when you feel that you may want to do that, please let me know. Please tell Roz that, I think, I understand her message. I wish you well in all your endeavors. With love and Best Wishes for both of you, Jonathan RE:Thank you from the bottom of my heart (Click to reply)
submitted: 9/2/2007 8:50 AM by: benjamin zander Your beautiful letter is now on the website. Thank you for the gift. Last night I met a wonderful young woman who works for Telenor (the Norwegian telephone company) and she is in the office in Bangladesh and she is the Head of Brands and Customer Service for Grameenphone, the offshoot of the Grameen Bank, which works with Mohammed Younis. I told her about you and shewould like to meet you. A pebble thrown in the pond of life - who knows where the ripples will go? I think the Grameen Bank venture is one of the most inspiring social experiments in human history. With warmest love and deepest respect Ben Dear Ben: Thank you immensely for putting my letter up on your website. I do hope that it'll be a source of inspiration to some, in the way Roz's and your book has been for me. I'm telling all my friends and family members about your book. The responses have been immediate, and overwhelmingly enthusiastic, even among friends who're not readers. I think we all have deep longing to connect with a larger world, a world of possibility. I made arrangements to get a copy of the book to Eric. I'm also planning to send a copy to Mrs. Gully, the widow of the man who died in Eric's hit-and-run accident. From what I gather, she is overwhelmed with grief, and still very much bent on revenge. Hopefully, she'll accept the book as a gesture of my deeply-felt sorrow for her loss, and my prayer that she'll find some peace. This is a small pond indeed! Six degrees of separation, compressed to two in this case! I don't know the lady you mention personally, but I know who she is. It would be a pleasure for me to meet her. Please feel free to share my email address with her. I'll also try to get in touch with her from my end. Think about coming to Bangladesh someday. They could use your message here. I imagine you know Dr. Yunus. I'd think he would welcome such an idea. Ben, Roz and you have been a tremendous inspiration for me. I can't repay that in kind. Instead, I simply wish for all the beautiful bounties of life for the two of you. With love and best wishes, Jon RE:Thank you from the bottom of my heart (Click to reply)
submitted: 9/2/2007 8:57 AM by: benjamin zander Dear Jon,
I met Dr Yunus about fifteen years ago at The State of The World Forum in San Francisco. He had launched the Grameen Bank and was telling us all about the miracles that had occured in the few years of its activity. He said that the next plan he had was to launch a program to provide cell phones for the women in the network, so that they could communicate with their customers. And now, here we are, I am in Norway speaking to Telenor , which has become a partner of the Grameen Bank and I am introducing you to Rubaba, who is the ambassador of the Brand! Will miracles never cease? No indeed, they will proliferate endlessly. more (and more) love Ben From: Zelda @ Chaeli Campaign [mailto:info@chaelicampaign.co.za]
Sent: 16 August 2007 03:30 PM To: louise@symphonia.net Subject: FW: Feedback to Ben & Roz Zander Dear Ben & Roz Thank you for your enthusiasm in wanting to make a difference by changing people's perspective of what it is possible to achieve, if you only have the correct mindset to be agents of change. People often think that positive change will occur when an external catalyst touches their lives, and they often spend months (even years) waiting for this to occur. Your message encapsulates the idea that all the elements to create ALL that each one of us wants, is lodged within each one of us. It's all reliant on the way in which we order this information: how excited we are about the potential that exists in adversity and how we invite our minds to see the possible solutions. The last action is then to open our eyes, heart and mind to these possibilities and to embrace the abundance and success that each of us so richly deserves. My family has been blessed by having Chaeli's disabilities (cerebral palsy & a degenerative neuropathy) allow us to experience what might have been an otherwise unseen world. Chaeli's positive approach to her disABILITY has been inspirational and enriching and supports your philosophy of great things being possible in every situation. What many people could and do perceive as a great hindrance and weakness (Chaeli as a disabled person) has been a window of opportunity, learning and growth. It resulted in the founding of The Chaeli Campaign, employment of mom, dad and two other adults and life-changing partnering of the needs of hundreds of differently-abled children. Chaeli, as an ambassador for the differently-abled, has her disabilities to thank for creating bridges of communication and growing opportunities for her, her sister and friends and all who know her and work with her. This is a blessing and an opportunity borne of recognising the possibility to make a difference. Thank you so much for your kind words, Roz, during the session on Saturday morning, 4 August 2007. Your affirmation of Chaeli's spirit of possibility-thinking rendered me speechless and in tears. A mother's heart always expands with joy when her children do well and receive recognition for their actions. But your acknowledgement of the way in which Chaeli has touched lives and the way in which she lives 'hope' made me realise anew that great things don't exist 'out there' in the great unknown - something to hanker after and strive for, but eternally unattainable. Greatness exists in our midst, in the hearts of our partners and children, and in our thoughts and words which have the power to realise powerful actions which affect not only ourselves, but all who touch us. Thank you for bringing this home to me again. Love Zelda Zelda Mycroft CEO: The Chaeli Campaign Chaeli Cottage 18 Culm Road Plumstead Cape Town 7800 Dear Mr. Zander,
Your video was introduced in our coaching class as a means to demonstrate how coaches create the space for people to be. If I asked you: Is it possible for someone to learn to play music after 30 years of age-you would probably say yes! BZ: You are right. So I am going to ask if you ever taught or know of someone who has taken up music for the first time after this age and who was still able to make a contribution? BZ: Two old men were sitting outside a pub in Vermont. "How's your wife", says one, puffing on his pipe. After a pause (much puffing), the other removes HIS pipe from his mouth and murmurs: "Compared to what?" By its nature, "contribution", in our sense, cannot be measured. Therefore your question: "who is still able to make a contribution" begs the question. Compared to what? I think the relevant question is: "can someone derive joy and satisfaction from taking up an instrument at a later age", the answer is definitely yes. My brother, a busy and successful law professor, took up the cello at 50 and now derives extraordinary solace from playing orchestra and chamber music. Do his neighbors find it a contribution? You would have to ask them? But his loved ones certainly appreciate the joy (and occasionally pride) that shines out of his face. If so-How would one decide on an instrument? BZ: Whatever draws you. Cello is beautiful and easier than the violin. The wind instruments tend to be easier, except the oboe and the horn ( avoid the latter like the plague). The flute is easiest, but there are more of them and the repertoire is more limited than strings. The piano is the natural one, because you don't have to depend on others to make music. However, it is also the loneliest, because you don't have to depend on others to make music. The viola is usually in demand and so is (most of all) the bassoon. The famous educational philosopher John Holt ("How Children Fail") had a dream that he would one day play the second cello part in the Schubert Quintett for two cellos before he died and he achieved his goal, though he began after the age of 50! I didn't hear the performance, but, then who cares? Incidentally, he wrote a book about his experience called: "Never too late". He was right. Very few Moslem women take up music early on and even less follow through. I doubt it is because of talent. It seems to me, to be more about ambivalence around what music represents. I was deeply moved when I listened to the lady (with the flower in her hair) sing on your video. She was to me the symbol of possibility. BZ: I doubt that talent has much to do with it. Everybody brought up in France speaks French. Are they specially talented? No. We know that because it turns out that everyone brought up in Iceland speaks Icelandic. It is a matter of environment. Let's get everyone to play the violin (Suzuki did) or play in orchestras (Jose Antonio Abreu did in Venezuela - google his spectacularly fantastic story). I think everyone comes into the world capable of singing (and dancing). It is life (and standards) that intervene. I believe in Original Possibility not Original Sin. So, get going and overcome the ambivalence! Ambivalence rarely produces great joy or achievement. I was moved by her too. We all were. We are all "symbols of Possibility", if only we could let go of assumptions and expectations. It is the human condition. Thank you BZ: Thank YOU! -Masooda I haven't read your book, and I did not know a Ben Zander until I received an invitation to come see your lecture in Johanneburg, South Africa. As I read the reviews from the readers of your book, I am certain that I will read it. I found myself in a bitter position this past weekend, and learned the meaning of betrayal. From family and friends. Oh, what a lesson learned. But I managed to hold my head high and walk away with my dignity (at the time I thought... shame!)
I believe your book will help restore the confidence I had before the past weekend, and I am buying it as an early birthday present for myself. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend your seminar, but it was a God-send to receive the invitation!! Dear Mr. Zander,
I came to see you speak in Boston, Massachusetts with the YMCA AYP Leadership Conference. I am not an employee of the YMCA, but my father is, and I attended the sessions as a guest. I am a teacher. I loved listening to your perspective on leadership and life, and feel so eager to start teaching in the fall with a newfound love for life, leadership, and the "possibilities". I am one of those people who loves classical music, but didn't know it until I heard you play Chopin on the piano. Thank you. Thank you for your inspiration and gift of a wonderful perspective on life, and giving me more meanings for my work, death, birthdays, music, food, and relationships. I am working on telling that little voice inside of me that I am busy, but that is my largest challenge. Can't wait to see you again! Back on the plane from Orlando, I devored your book (The Art of Possibility) and it was the "perfect" suite for your lecture.
Thank you for showing me that not only possibilities are in my own power but also that 1) the limitations that I perceived are chimeric walls designed by the other voice 2)that stopping finding excuses can be "fascinating" THANKS :-) Hi Maestro Zander,
I just wanted to say Thank You for giving me a free ticket to see the Boston Philharmonic. I called up a while ago and left a message that I really wanted to see the concert and could not afford a ticket and someone called me back right away and said "come on in I am sure we will have an extra seat". I am very grateful for that. I was also told that at one time you were trying to fill up the concert hall and invited all the homeless people in for the concert. That created alot of static and you said "you told me to fill up the concert hall, and every seat is taken". I guess there was a big write up in the newspaper about it and I would love to see the article. Could you please email it to me or just let me know what the title of the article is so I can find it myself. Thank You, Rita Paul Hello Ben,
I managed to sit in on several of your London Master Classes with the young conductors. Very intrigued to know what you meant when you said that the "direction of error" of possibility was fascism. Something about fear? The classes were outstanding and I enjoyed them hugely -- thank you! I went away with batteries recharged. Beethoven has accompanied me for most of the last week -- fantastic! Bless you! Roberta Rominger Dear Maestro Zander,
We've been savoring your concerts and lectures for many years. We remember the concert at which you announced your intention of becoming an American citizen, and how very touched we were, especially because of the reasons you expressed. And we just found out that your American citizenship was recently granted. We wish you many more healthy and joyous years of wonderful teaching and music-making, and intend to be at as many of those concerts as possible. As we say in our little corner of America: Mazltov! ;-) YOurs very truly, Dr. Joel Hencken Cantor Geoffrey Fine Watertown, MA Dear Mr. and Mrs. Zander;
I just wanted to say thank you! I had an oppurtunity to see the video on The Art of Possibility twice at the end of a year long leadership conference. This truly was the highpoint of the entire year for me. I came home purchased your book and have been on cloud nine ever since. I only wish that all of those around me could read and see your inspiration and experience the joy that it has brought to my heart and new life. I do have those at work that think I tripped and hit my head on a rock and it is wonderful. I have a new found oppurtunity with these folks to simply have them look at the brighter side of life when they see the change you have brought to my life. I only wish that I had found your video and book about twenty five years earlier. Thank you again from deep inside my heart. Matt Layer Dear Mr. Zander
This is Sandro Leal from Cuba. Last year I had the best time of my life when I play under your baton. I wanted to tell you that I was very happy to be part of the Orchestra of the Americas, not only because of the many wonderful young people I met from all over the Americas but also for having the experience to play with such a beautiful human being as yourself. And I am not trying to win your heart by making all of these comments. I am being very truthful and honest. I wanted to make a remark about the last concert of the season with the Youth Orchestra of the Americas in England. When I heard from other colleagues that you expressed your concerns before the beginning of the concert about me and the other two young men who couldn't travel with the rest of the orchestra because of not having the proper documents or visa to enter the country, I wept. In part I was a little sad, but soon after I heard the success of the concert I felt as I was there sharing this moment with the orchestra, the audience and the you. The fact that I wasn't there physically didn't mean I was absent from the music. Music is in our hearts and, such as love, cannot be separated by pollitics or distance. Such is the case, that I have been absent from Cuba and my love ones since 2001 and have never been able to visit since then. But that doesn't mean I am not there with them. I still have them in my heart. I dedicate to them every successful step I give in the States or in any part of the world. Everything I am doing in the States is because such as yourself and many other of our colleagues and not only in my country but also in the rest of the world, to bring peace among our nations through music. It's a very troubled journey, but at the same time full of wonderful experiences. I also wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to translate in Spanish your conference in Brussels, Belgium. I highly enjoyed it. It felt as we were all speaking one language in that room. Thank you very much for your kindness and careness for all of those who want to make this world a better place through music. Most sincerely and with kind regards, Sandro Leal-Santiesteban Dear Mr Zander
I attended your talk to business leaders in Belfast on Tuesday and the talk and concert on Friday night. Both were excellent experiences. I had never truly understood how conductors transformed a piece of music and the people playing it. The experience was enhanced by the talk so we knew what was happening. I have my copy of the symphony and the book and will keep reading and looking for the learning that can help in all walks of life. Well done again that was the best concert I have ever been at. Laurence Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 09:03:18 -0700 Thank you Mr. Zander for taking the initiative to come to the Banff Centre on Wed, Feb 28/07. I personally don't believe in chance... everything happens for a reason. I was looking for confirmation about my own life journey and so the heavens orchestrated your presence & presentation at the Banff Centre and gratefully, I received my confirmation. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you. I am eternally grateful to you. You are an extraordinary person & it was my great fortune to have met you. The whole world definitely benefits from your being. Thanks again! Linda Kowalski Banff Centre, IT/S T. 762-6431 Dear Mr. Zander,
I simply must tell you that I fondly remember this past Monday, January 15th, 2007 as "The Perfect Day". Little did I know that morning, that I would have the pleasure of your live presentation to our LifeScan, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Sales Organization. At the end of our time together, I knew that you were the best motivational speaker I had seen at J&J in 15 years- what I didn't know is unlike all the others, I would continue to recall your comments and draw from them on a daily basis -EVER SINCE! Thank you for the gift of your time, energy and radiation of endless possiblity. I consider my reflection of your beauty a call to action and compelling obligation to pass it on. Please know that thru me you have already touched over half a dozen people in my life, husband, children, friends, mother, etc. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the positive shift in my sales team and management's perspective since our time together. There has been nothing less than a sheer transformation in our overall outlook and the "gift of you" was the foundation! In a recent survey of our Consumer Sales Team the "Ben Zander Presentation" was voted the # 1 most memorable and productive time of our entire 5 days together- and trust me the rest of the meeting was top notch and very exciting/educational- so this speaks volumes about you! Please accept my sincere appreciation for your impressions. I promise to continue to radiate possibilities in your honor. Thank you for the gift of you to my personal and professional life. Chris Evans Consumer Sales LifeScan, Johnson & Johnson Trinidad, CA cevans@lfsus.jnj.com p.s. I have a new goal for 2007....I plan to travel with my husband to Boston to see your orchestra perform later this year. Thank you for inspiring in me a new love for classical music. COMMENTS: Hello Mr. Zander,
I recently participated in a leadership "transformational" lecture you did at Fidelity Investments. I just wanted to know that in addition to the various leadership nuggets I took away from the discussion, I have started listening to classical music...mostly because you opened up my mind and ears to really listening and hearing the possibilities in the music. Before, I would just think of the melody, the tempo, etc...now I imagine all kinds of things when I hear a piece - and not just people dancing around in ballgowns - but simple everyday things go with that music: my daughter running around the house, hair flying; people arguing (hardly ever happens in Boston); the way my husband looks at me at the end of the day. I just wanted to say thank you for that. It was "fascinating!" Regards, Kimberley -------------------------------------- Dearest Mr. Zander,
I keep thinking about our concert and rehearsals that we had. It's just such a great memory! I'll never be tired sitting in your rehearsal, even if I sit in the last chair of 2nd violin, or even when I'm counting for the rest. I just love you passion of music and how your warm and energetic personality is. I'm so happy I got chance to work with you! I'm leaving for Corpus Christi Competition tommorow morning. I remember your words "How fascinating" so well, so I'm not scared of anything. I'll just play with my heart always, and do my best to speak for the piece and the composer, and for myself! Thank you for everything! Ying Xue Mr Zander,
I was in wonder at the kindness of your email to me. I know I should reply, but I just don't know what I can say in response to such nice words. All I can say is that playing for you (and my peers) in the Mahler was definitely the biggest and most exciting challenge so far in my musical education. All I can say is thanks for being a wonderful inspiration. I just think it's so exciting that a real conductor cares so genuinely for the essence of the music even more than yourself. It was wonderful the way you refused to make the musical journey without the musicians full engagement in the character of the piece. If every conductor had such spirit, no musician would omplain or be bored. .... thanks carl Hi there,
The Wellpoint client loved the John Hancock speech. I also wanted to pass something along that our President here, Mike Weiner, said. He came into my office after finding that I was booking you as a speaker and told me how much he respects your work and speeches. He said ..."a lot of speakers come through our office and they get everyone emotionally connected to THEIR story. They often have people in tears for something they've overcome. The unique thing about Benjamin Zander is that he gets you excited about YOUR story. What you can do as a person. His speech is very different from what other speakers offer." Just thought I would pass that along. Thanks! Julianna hey mr zander,
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed performing the tchaikovsky 5th symphony with you in NYC. You have taught me so much about music and I am going to take what I learned and put into practice. I hope I can come back next year. best wishes, michelle , violin p.s BTFI!!!! Dear Ben,
First of all, I would like to personally thank you for coming to Toronto and for the gifts that you gave us. The books - Art of Possibilities, your CD's and most of all your remarkable and unforgettable performances - your undying love and support to the people that needs your transformation speech. We need people like you - very good heart and very soulful persona. I finally got your email address from Mr. Alexander after a short talk with him on the phone yesterday afternoon. Kristian Alexander has done a tremendous hard work for the Conductors Guild and I have never seen a person who works very hard and puts his heart and soul to this project and with your support and help. I extend my deepest thank you from all of us here in Toronto, Canada - without you there would be no way that this event succeeds. Ben, you truly made impossible to possible. Yours truly, Jobert Sevilleno Russell Investments Canada Limited Just had the pleasure of viewing the conducting business video, what a refreshing view it provided. I will not forget 'rule six' and the influence of the 'life is an enquiry and then you die'. I deliver conflict resolution training to NHS staff and believe that in delivery enthusiasm and motivation are contageous thanks for restoring my faith that I am not alone in this.
Yippee!
warm greetings Ben Hey Mr. Zander,
In case you don't remember, I'm the one that met you in the lobby of the hotel after the concert. I just wanted to tell you that I greatly enjoying playing under you and I am greatly considering doing it again. Your Mahler CD was incredible too. Anyways, I just wanted to thank you for conducting and waiting in the lobby to have a final chat. Hope to see you again next year, Rodrigo Haragutchi Dear Mr. Zander,
The previous weekend up in New York City was incredible. It was such an honor to be a part of the orchestra with you conducting. I learned so much about music and even life in general during the seemingly short amount of time we got to spend with you. Rehearsing the Tchaikovsky 5th for hours every day was so much fun and playing the famous horn solo in Carnegie Hall was indescribable. My only regret was that there was no recording of the performance... Well, I hope I can play for you again soon. Thanks for an unforgettable night. Sincerely, Terence Ihm, Principal Horn Dear Maestro Zander:
My entire family wanted to congratulate you for the wonderful performance with all the young players last Sunday in Carnegie Hall. Thanks so much. You are an inspiration to my grandson Jonathan Biava and to all of us. It is wonderful to see how many dynamics and passion you got out of all these talented young performers. It was a pleasure to see you again and to hear your wonderful music making. Warmest regards, Luis Biava Dear Mr. Zander, Hi Mr. Zander, this is Kate from Monterey, California. Your Santa Catalina story was interesting by the way! I want to say thank you so much for your positive spirit and energy for us last weekend in NYC. I think all of us felt it and transformed the way we play. For me, the rehearsals were so much fun. What can be better than playing Tchaikovsky No. 5 all day long with the orchestra under your direction in NYC? It felt like a dream. The musical experience was so full of passion, agony, love, and life. It was wonderful to share my experience with the school orchestra members this morning and I feel somehow responsible for spreading your passion and positive spirit to other musicians. The strong impact I had under your direction is beyond what I can describe in words. I really really hope that I will be able to play for you again in the near future. I miss you already! Sincerely, Kate Kim PS I will always play my heart out whenever I pick up my violin! Playing with the National Festival Orchestra (Click to reply)
submitted: 1/16/2007 9:38 AM by: [hidden] I just want to thank for for such an wonderful time playing with
the orchestra this weekend! I came out of this experience energized and excited to pursue an orchestra playing career! Thanks! Arthur Thovmasian (principle trombone) Dear Mr. Zander,
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed playing Tchaichovsky 5 with you at Carnegie Hall. I learned so much from you in such a little amount of time, and this included not only the music, but other aspects such as how to be more professional by seeing positives in everything, and to move on from mistakes while learning to not let them happen again. It was also a joy to play alongside Peter on clarinet, and I hope both of us were able to imprint the opening of the piece into the memories of everyone there. I feel your interpretation of the piece does justice for Tchaichovsky, and I am very grateful to have been a part of that experience. I sincerely hope to play for you again in the near future, wherever it may be. Thanks again for everything. Sincerely, Brian Canning 2nd Clarinet- NFO 2007 University of North Texas Dear Mr. Zander, I was the young lady who chased you down the escalator earlier today, and I'm so delighted to have had a few moments to speak with you. We are kindred spirits in so many ways, completely lit up by life and the opportunity to reach out and make a difference. What you don't know, however, is that I am who I am largely because of YOU! Years ago, the book "The Art of Possibility" which you and Roz wrote was a tremendous catalyst for me to step into my own greatness and 'go for broke', as it gave me such freedom from the shackles of expectation from family and culture. I was never the same person again. Life has been an extraordinary adventure through all the ups and downs ever since! While entrepreneurship has been an uphill battle to survive, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. The people I have met, the experiences I've had, and all that I've learned about myself are gifts I would have missed if I had taken the "safe & steady" path. While the instability of cash flow and no health benefits drives my dear mother crazy with worry, I'm proud of the choices I've made and love the woman I see in the mirror. "Thank you" seems inadequate to express the kind of gratitude I feel for who you and Roz are, what you share, and for what your message has brought to my life. I have now, in turn, also been spreading the magic of possibility around in my own way. I am an up-and-coming speaker in Canada known as "Champion-of-the-Underdog," and ever since my buddy Brian Scudamore told me that you were the greatest speaker he had ever heard, it has been a dream of mine to meet you and see you speak in person. I have had your name up on my "Can You Imagine?" wall at home for the past two years, and I'm still a little stunned about all of this, as I came on this trip to Florida as a last minute addition to the event production team. Little did I know it would lead me to you! It must be the divine unfolding of the universe. I do believe that our paths will cross again, and in the meantime I shall listen to the Beethoven Symphonies with great joy! Thank you thank you thank you!!! Warmly, Sandy Struss, Champion-of-the-Underdog! COMMENTS: Hello Mr. Zander, not long ago I purchased your recording of Mahler's Sixth Symphony. I immediately fell in love with this symphony and his other works. However I noticed some subtle differences in my score and the recording. During the first tutti entrance of the first movement, timpani rolls can be heard but I cannot find it on my score. Also in the section with brass and pizzicato strings after the "Alma" theme, there seemed to be bells playing in unison with triangle, but there is only triangle part indicated on the score. Which edition was the recording based on? Dear Luke,
How wonderful to come across someone who is listening so carefully! You have the Dover Full Score, which is an earlier edition. Mahler made many changes before he finished with the piece. These are all to be found in the Critical edition (International Gustav Mahler edition). There are timpani rolls in bars 11, 29 and, of course, 5 bars after 5. The other passage you mention also has an important change: originally he wrote triangle at Reh 10 and later changed it to the much more penetrating glockenspiel, which explains the bell like sound you are hearing. I would suggest you purchase the Universal edition (expensive but worth it) and it will conform in every detail to what you are hearing. Best wishes Ben PS you might want to read the very remarkable and full blown review of this recording in High Fidelity on my website (www.benjaminzander.com), under Philharmonia recordings, which goes into great detail about many matters. Highlights from the past four years of this discussion area can be found on the Correspondence pages of this site. Furthermore, all of the messages Benjamin Zander has received, together with his replies, can be found in the archives. We look forward to continuing the conversation. Thank you.
Dear NECSO, I just received this letter from a friend. He is no ordinary friend, since he is one of the most informaed musicians I know. he was music critic of the Boston Globe and now doesfreel-lance writing and produces recordings for Telarc. these days we hardly can expect reviews in newspapers any more, so it is nice to know that there are intelligent, perceptive ears out there to hear and pass comment on our music-making. How else can we grow? Anyway, congratulations! His praise is hard earned. Dear Ben, I just wanted to drop you a note to assure you that although I didn't see you after the concert last night I WAS there, and I thought it was wonderful. I remarked to myself a number of times throughout the course of the Mahler - particularly in the first movement, but elsewhere too - how fleetly and idiomatically the orchestra had learned true, authentic-sounding Mahlerian inflections. I was actually amazed at the beauty and subtlety of the timing in some of the trickiest spots in the movement, and was also amazed at the tightness and musicality of the ensemble playing, as complex contrapuntal lines were passed seamlessly from one instrument to another. Your concertmaster literally played the devil out of the second movement violin solos. He found the vein of pure evil in that music as surely as did Christopher Warren Green! (I don't think I can give higher praise than that.) The third movement was quicker than I ever remember you playing it - the next time you do the Fourth maybe you might think about slowing it down a bit? The movement gained in cohesiveness, perhaps, but I thought it lost in eloquence a bit. The G major Andante section beginning with the theme in the cellos was exquisitely delicate, however. In the fourth movement Jennifer [put her name in - I can't find the program] positively radiated the excitement of a young boy so overwhelmed with the numerous delights of heaven that he can hardly get the words out fast enough. Good German too! The Hindemith was full of wonderful things as well - I'm thinking of the wind solos in the second movement especially, the extraordinary recitative that opens the third movement and that your violins played with fabulous eloquence, and the terrific intensity of some of the third movement's loud fast passages. Congratulations all around! Yours, David Dear Benjamin and Rosamund Zander,
I just finished reading your book "The Art of Possibility". As I read it, I was frequently moved to tears. It brought into focus a world that I once believed existed, but one that I felt was gone from my life forever. In the book, in almost every passage of the book, I heard once again the faint murmuring of a voice that had stopped singing to me a long time ago. I am a man nearing the half-century mark. For the better part of my adult life, I worked as a technologist and team leader at General Electric and, as a single parent, raised two wonderful children- a girl and a boy. Then it all began to unravel. In October, 1999, while I was in Brazil on business, Bina, my daughter, was struck by a hit-and-run driver as she was returning home from a walk with her dog. The phone call bearing the news came in the middle of the night. By the following morning, as I walked along Copacabana Beach, the sand turning gold and yellow and sliver in the first light of the morning sun, Bina was pronounced dead. In reality, she had been dead from the moment her aunt and boyfriend had found her, hours earlier, at the edge of a road next to her dog. It took me a few years to feel the full impact of the loss. Bina and I had been close- spiritual twins, some people used to say. She was my daughter and also my best friend. She was a sister to Eric and also her mother. We were a tiny little world unto ourselves, held together with a powerful sense of belonging. When the realization finally came that Bina was gone, I was wholly unprepared to deal with it. In my characteristic way, I tried to face the "problem" head on. Over the years, I had developed a false sense of confidence in my abilities. I could do anything I set my mind to, I believed. But here was a force that I did not recognize, one that did not seem to bend to my will. I fell into clinical depression, and into the bottle. By August of 2003, I was barely able to function. Unable to cope with unrelenting pressure in my chest, a grief that did not seem to have any malleable form, and the shame of not being able to give any support to my son even as he asked for it, I attempted suicide. I failed. I spent the rest of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004 in and out treatment, most of that time inside a treatment facility in Upstate New York. It was then, while I was still inside the psychiatric facility, that a friend sent me a copy of your book. I read the first twenty pages and sat it down. Salvation, not enlightenment, was what I needed, I thought. After I left the hospital, everyone agreed that it would be a good idea for me to get away for a while. I came to Bangladesh- the place where I was born, and where my youngest brother and my parents still lived. I was in Bangladesh for a few months, recovering, and preparing to come back to the States when, one early morning, I received an urgent message from my son to call him. It was 8 o'clock on the East Coast, on a Sunday evening in August. It was my son's trembling voice on the phone that told me that the thin and tattered lifeline that I had been holding on to so tenaciously was about to snap. Earlier that day, Eric, my son, and his girlfriend were on their way to have dinner with his mother and grandmother. A few blocks from home, still inside the development where we lived, Eric remembered that he had left something behind. He turned around and headed back home. As he rounded a corner, he noticed a man crossing the road in front of him. The man, he recalled later, had already made it most of the way across the street. Still, Eric concluded that he needed to take evasive actions to avoid hitting the man. As Eric turned the car to the left the man turned around and headed back in the direction he had come from. Man and car, flesh and steel came together in a flash. The man flew over the top of the car and came to rest on the grass by the side of the road. Eric panicked, fled the scene, and drove home. I pleaded with Eric to turn himself in to the Police, but he had already made his decision. He said to me: "Dad, you raised me to respect life, all life. I can't live with the knowledge that I may have just taken one. There is only one solution to this problem." Then he hung up. In that moment, it occurred to me that those were the last words that might ever be spoken between us. I started getting ready to leave. In between my preparations, I called our home every few minutes, but nobody answered. Eric was nowhere to be found. No one knew where he had gone. As it turned out later, he had gone walking in the woods behind our house. Late that night, Eric snuck back into the house. He made himself a comfortable resting place in the bathtub, and cut both wrists. Maybe it was luck, or Divine Intervention...I will never know. But, at 6 in the morning, Eric's girlfriend came by the house looking for him. She discovered him in the bathtub, lifeless. When they wheeled him into the emergency room and from there to the operating theater, his blood pressure had dropped to zero. Luckily, the doctors managed to revive him. Later, the surgeon who repaired Eric's severed wrists, and brought him back to life said that he had come to within minutes of his death. As Eric was fighting for his life, the man whom Eric had struck lost his in a different hospital, leaving behind a wife and two young boys. What followed was six months of legal wranglings, blames and recriminations, threatening phone calls, and relentless news coverage vilifying Eric as a heartless monster who deserved to die. I tried to console myself with the knowledge that Eric was not a terrible human being. In fact, I knew him to be one of the most sensitive and empathetic people I had ever known. In March of 2005, it all came to its inevitable end. Eric was sentenced to 4-8 years in prison. He sobbed as he stood for his sentencing. After Eric was taken away, I locked myself in the house, unable to eat or drink. Days and nights passed, then became one. The patterns on the walls came alive and turned into monsters, and I entered a world of visions. One day, I came to, face down on the hallway floor, with deep gashes on my forehead and legs, bleeding in a field of broken glass. Unable to stand up, I crawled back to bed and passed into oblivion. A few days or weeks later- I really don't know how much time had passed- one of my neighbors found me in bed, unconscious. I was admitted to a local hospital where I spent two weeks in the Psychiatric ward. When I was released, my youngest brother escorted me back to Bangladesh. That was May, 2005. Since then, I have lived here in Bangladesh, convalescing, and swinging like a pendulum between the two opposing states of hopelessness and tentative joy. I have tried to rebuild my life, by finding a job and exploring business opportunities. I have contemplated writing a book or making a film- the two things that have always been inside my gut, always churning. But nothing seemed to come together. The larger world seemed always just a bit beyond my reach. My frustrations grew. Try as I might, I just couldn't work it out. Then, about a month ago, I picked up your book once again. When I came to Bangladesh two years ago, it was one of the few personal possessions I had brought with me. It had sat on my bookshelf all along, pressed between other half-digested books. I began to read. From the very beginning- from the very moment the little girl in a London hotel turned, smiling, and walked out the door into a world of possibilities- the book took me by the throat. Every passage, every observation, every personal story seemed to speak directly to me. Here, at last, was a concrete description of the magical world I once thought existed. Words and passages came to life and began to sing. And, for the first time in many years, I could feel the beating of my heart. I realized that I have been living in world of downward spirals: I am a failure... I have thrown away my whole life... I don't fit in here...New York is where I belong... Maybe if I had been with Eric on that fateful Sunday...Maybe if I hadn't pushed Bina away in the summer of 1999...Maybe...Maybe. I was living in a morass of self-pity and blame and utter selfishness, a world devoid of any beauty, or grace, or possibilities. I realized also that I was trying to do once more what my education and exquisite training at GE has taught me- to become the master of my own little universe, to dominate it, and to "make it happen." I realized that I was trying to squeeze the world into my own little box of expectations. And, in the process I had stopped listening to the beat of life itself. Not anymore. Your book has taught me to stop becoming the conductor and start becoming the player. I wake up every morning now and prick my ears to the possibilities of the day. I have found the grace to forgive myself for the mistakes of my past, real and imagined. I have found the courage to let myself become the board where life may set up its game. Still, old habits die hard, and I find myself falling back to the ways of the past. But, at least now, I am finely tuned to its chatter. I don't know how things will turn out. I am even less sure of what my next move will be. But, no matter. I will first listen to the rhythm of life. To paraphrase Anna Quindlen: I'll show up. I'll listen. And I'll try to laugh. Thank you for this wonderful gift in its bright yellow wrapping. Thank you for the gift of hope. With Best Regards, Jonathan Munshi P. S. I am planning to send a copy of the book to my son. I think he needs a little grace too. Dear Ben
I'm so thrilled that you came back to Uppingham and there is already a remarkable ripple/ radiation effect going on. The whole place is having conversations about your visit and the sessions. Thank you so much! I have asked Fiona to arrange for the blogs etc from our intranet to be put on to our website so you (and others) can see what is being said by some of the pupils. There are sceptics too, of course, and that is all part of the excitement and challenge. For me, the biggest privilege was sitting in on the Sunday evening session in the Drama Studio, but the whole thing was just great. Did you ever get to see the new Paul David Music School? I've been asked by some pupils if they can email you but I don't want to give them this address which I assume is your private one? Should they use the address on your website? They have some questions, which is really encouraging. Thank you again; I hope your travels have gone well and that you enjoyed the return visit- and I hope it helped to heal some memories for you, too. Yours ever, Richard Hi, I am Cassie Marusa, and I am an 8th grader at Carlton Hills in Santee, CA.
My mother, Jessica Marusa, has recently experienced your amazing corporate speech for Sharp. She absolutely loved it, and even demonstrated some of your techniques for me. I know you must be really busy, but I was wondering if sometime you can do a volunteer speech at my school for Avid. Avid is a program where students learn more about colleges and discover ways to stand out in average classes. I understand if this is impossible for you, and I'd like to thank you for your time. Also, if you have any tips when speaking in public, please feel free to tell me! I am president of my school and can always use some advice from a Pro. Thank you so much for reading this! Sincerely, -Cassie Dear Mr Zander,
It was an amazing pleasure and privilege of mine to perform under your direction. I don't think that anything could have made me fly as I have this past week. At the Severance performance, I practically floated up in the air when we stood. Thank you for coming to Akron, I am very glad we met. I'm writing an article for my school newspaper about the concert, your book, and such things. The school I attend is an art school; however, the principal and staff only seem to care about sporting events. The school orchestra is in the dumps, and the band director only cares about marching band. I would like to inspire and bring excitement to the music program, and bring recognition more to the arts. Do you have anything that you would like to say that would help? I would really appreciate it, as I am often made fun of or called a "loser" for going to orchestra concerts. This does not bother me, but wish I could show people that true art is not just for geeks, but for everyone. I share your dreams of touching everyone's lives with music, and I believe that it can be done. I read your book cover to cover because it was addictive, and I have grown alot from that. However, it is difficult to see my place, as a teenager, in taking leadership to get away from the "downward spiral." Everything our teachers say is comparing us and judging us, and my classmates are constantly comparing grades, or slandering teachers. I find highschool very difficult to tolerate because of this and wonder what I could do to make it through. Working with you has been the highlight of this year. Tonight I practically floated off my chair during the concert. My dad asked me to thank you for having the courage to schedule a concert at Severance because it was so amazing, and it transformed the orchestra and chorus. I hope to work with you again soon. Thank You, Hannah McIntyre Dear Ben, I hope this letter finds you well. It has been much too long since > I've had contact with you. I have never doubted that Saturday YPO > rehearsals, frequent BPO concert visits, and sightings of you around > Boston had a direct positive impact on my musical life, but having > moved on and away from it I have begun to realize its importance > more and more. I often find myself thinking back to many of your > principles and anecdotes to make it through the day here. > You have truly been, as you have been to many, one of my most > revered musical mentors. > > This winter I made a recording to enter the prestigious International Trumpet > Guild solo competition and have been notified that I have > been selected as a finalist and have the opportunity to travel to > the International Conference to compete in the final round this > June. What I am wishing to ask you is if I could play > the selections we are performing for you. Your insight has been > invaluable to me over the years, but also I fear that shooting for > this goal I may lose sight of some of the things that truly matter > in music making. This is one of the things you had always been keen > on keeping me in line with. > > Please let me know if we can ever find a time to get together. > > With much admiration, > > -Andy Stetson |
Over the years, I have engaged in a lively discourse with people in different parts of the world - students, colleagues, scholars and friends - exploring music, teaching, life, and just interesting stuff. In the old days these were mostly telephone conversations, often held very early in the morning to Europe or very late at night to the West Coast. More recently it has been through the medium of e-mail, that miraculous destroyer of hierarchy.
