One of the factors in choosing to visit, study in or immigrate to another city is the vibrancy of its cultural life.
If you are interested in classical music, the city of Montreal is without a doubt one of its leading centres the world over.
The classical music scene is so vibrant in Montreal that on a typical Sunday afternoon during the autumn, for example, you may well have eight or ten or even more high-level concerts being performed around the city. It is our pleasure to share with you some of Montreal’s classical music treasures. Read More
Background to the 2011 Census of Canada reform
Political controversy is brewing in Canada following an announcement by the federal government earlier this summer to make changes to the national census next time around in 2011. The government would continue to send a short, mandatory census form to every household. However, under the proposed changes, it would no longer be obligatory for about 20% of Canadians to fill up a “long-form” census. During the last census of 2006, about 2.54 million long forms were distributed in Canada with a 93% return rate, or about 2.37 million long census forms. Read More
Using counterintuitive thinking
Sometimes in life better results can be achieved by using counterintuitive thinking.
For example, when playing violin, by accident I may bow on a second string in addition to the string intended. So instead of playing F# on the D string, my bow ends up touching (and playing) the G string at the same time, resulting in the wrong note.
To improve my accuracy, Elizabeth Adams, my violin teacher at the McGill Conservatory, suggested I begin my practice sessions playing double stops—two strings at the same time—controlling my bow to ensure I avoid playing only one string while doing so. Then, she said, practice the pieces I am working on and it will be easier to hit the (single) notes I am supposed to be playing.
I have been following this recommendation for about two weeks now and my bow strokes are definitely becoming more accurate. Who would have thought that you should practice what you are supposed to be avoiding (playing two strings at once) to get better at playing one string?
Counterintuitive thinking seems to be behind new, important changes to Canada’s federal Immigrant Investor Program. Read More
Canada’s proposed new refugee determination procedures contained in Bill C-11 have three main faults which must be addressed. Read More
The temptation to make cutbacks in the arts is stronger now than ever, given the continuing world-wide economic instability, including most recently the enormous problems being faced by the cradle of democracy, Greece. Mr Nagano’s speech helps us to keep in mind that the arts require proper venues in which to achieve their full expression. After all, if music and the other arts cannot flourish, human creativity and ultimately liberty will become precarious. Read More