A year of change…

Although I don’t believe in any of the hysterical apocalyptic theories currently doing the rounds regarding 2012, I do think that this year will be a watershed one – a year of change – and as Aristotle said, ‘in all things, change is sweet’. It was in this spirit that we at Classicfeel started off this year and you now hold the first fruit of our efforts in your hands: our new-look, new-feel magazine. We felt it was time to refresh our magazine and we are very pleased with what finally resulted from all the discussions, industry research, trial and error, and constant tweaking that we put into the project. We hope you’re as happy with the new Classicfeel as we are.

Having said that, we may have changed the package somewhat, but the core and content of Classicfeel remains the same. We are still committed to bringing you the latest and most relevant news from the world of arts and culture and presenting it in the best possible way. My job in overseeing this, my first issue as editor, was to maintain that balance between the old and the new and I hope I have succeeded. To all you longtime readers, rest assured that I will do my best to uphold the standards you have come to expect from us. Also, Classicfeel has always been and remains a team effort, and while Lore has passed the editorial mantle on to me, she remains as the publisher and editor-in-chief and will still be very much involved in the publication she founded, while spending more time exploring new opportunities for its growth. So don’t worry; Classicfeel will continue to be the magazine you know and love. It will only grow and get better.

If this month is anything to go by, then we really are in for a bumper year in arts and culture. One of our finest artistic exports, Candice Breitz, has come home after many years for an exhibition of quirky and thought-provoking new work; the greatest composer of the Classical era is crossing paths with one of South Africa’s finest jazz musicians and composers at the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival; and that annual celebration of South African physical theatre, Dance Umbrella, is back for another year and stronger than ever. Arts and culture are alive and well in South Africa – don’t let anyone tell you different. Here’s to an exciting and prosperous 2012 for all.

Until next month…

Warren