Over the past year or so, I entered into some very heated debates on the internet with composers from all over the world regarding the future of music in the 21st century. Though my music is very popular amongst classical musicians and audiences, it is dismissed by many modern composers as being much too old-fashioned. Such is the fuel for the following debates. Happily, this attitude is beginning to erode amongst the world's community of composers. Even some of the so-called "old guard" are beginning to accept the validity of music composed within the boundaries of pre-established styles loved by musicians and audiences alike.

I would also like to note that I have since met a number of composers in person with whom I've argued fiercely below and actively promote premieres of their music with the Octava Chamber Orchestra. Needless to say, we have all become much friendlier as a result. It seems that the internet can bring out the worst in us, whereas when we interact in person it's quite obvious that we all are human, enjoy each other's company, and have a whole lot more in common than we might have thought...