A cabaret night at the Queen Elizabeth Hall was disrupted by a small group of geo-activists who sang an anti-Shell song on stage, during the interval. It was all very discreet and only the Guardian (which must have been tipped off in advance) took note.
Shell have offices next to the South Bank and are generous, longterm patrons of its classical activities. The money comes with no strings attached and I see no reason why the South Bank should not accept it.
I understand that some climate campaigners have a gripe against the oil industry. They should set an example to the rest of us by turning out all lights at home.
Kurt Weill beat them to it–80+ years ago (“Petroleum-Song”)
Well at least the geo-activists sang their song during the interval and it seems did not disrupt the actual performance, which appears to be quite a civilised way of making a point, unlike some other protesters who’ve been mentioned on this blog in the past.
It should be noted that those that took part in the protest are not exclusively “geo-activists” or “climate campaigners”. A number are (additionally) highly proficient musicians and young composers.
I hope that being a proficient musician and being a campaigner are not mutually exclusive activities, James?
Or Sir Michael Tippett, for one, would have been most upset
Ah, that makes their point of view on global warming, or Shell’s sponsorship all the more well-researched and worthy then, presumably?
Would any of those taking part have turned down an arms-length sponsorship deal from Shell? Have any ever performed in a professional capacity at the Southbank Centre?
Til Oilenspiegel
Good one Abigail!
Norman,
“I understand that some climate campaigners have a gripe against the oil industry. They should set an example to the rest of us by turning out all lights at home.”
Good point. I’m doing my bit by keeping my thermostat at home down at 55 deg. (12.78C). I’ve become acclimated to the cold but can’t stand hot weather!
Shell Out Sounds have made a response challenging Mr. Lebrecht’s comments and offering further information about the issues, which can be found here:
http://shelloutsounds.org/response-to-norman-lebrecht/