To listen to Michael Mantler's Trumpet Concerto, click here.
Talking Heads 2: The New Europe? from The Utopian on Vimeo.
Dr. Timothy Stanley, historian at the Institute for the Study of the Americas, University of London, discusses the recent European elections with Yascha Mounk, co-founder of The Utopian. Was the demise of left-wing parties and the rise of far-right parties a harbinger of the New Europe?
Yascha Mounk and Alexander Lee, co-founders of The Utopian discuss the controversy about Pope Benedict XVI's recent reinstatement of the Society of Saint Pius X and holocaust-denying Bishop Richard Williamson to the Roman-Catholic church
The Utopian is proud to present its new issue, Making History. With contributions ranging from eminent philosophers Jürgen Habermas and Paolo Flores d'Arcais to emerging writers and artists like Sam Munson and Kate Aspinall, we examine the past, present and future of history and how it is made. In thought-provoking pieces that challenge our relationship with the past Timothy Stanley and Alexander Lee boldly makes the case that history is, indeed, bunk, while Israeli Oded Na'aman asks if someone won't please make history by saving his country from itself.
We are also excited to introduce two new sections of The Utopian: a challenging blog continually updated by an array of international contributors, and 'Talking Heads', a regular video discussion on the most controversial issues of the day.
Watch The Utopian co-founders Alexander Lee and Yascha Mounk discussing the Catholic Church, Holocaust denial and liberal anxiety in the brand new 'Talking Heads' section; or read Justin Fowler on 'Making Futures' and Panagiotis Patlakas on 'Jazz at Massey Hall'. Be sure to check back regularly for more thought-provoking updates - many more entries will go online in the next days and weeks!
Much attention has obviously been given to the active construction of history, the material substance of which being almost infinitely malleable by the physical or ideological victors of each successive era. I would suggest, however, that it is equally important to address as a course of inquiry the construction of future histories...
As far as concerts go, this one didn't seem to be off to a good start. The genre was already somewhat passé, hard bop being the thing in the East Coast, and cool jazz in the West. Even the concert-going public seemed more interested in the World Heavyweight Championship match being conducted that night, and yet...
The Utopian is devoted to seeking out the most original and challenging ideas in contemporary politics, art and culture. Taking from utopian thought a spirit of free inquiry and open-mindedness, the magazine includes diverse perspectives in the recognition that nothing is unthinkable.
Drawing on a distinguished network of contributors from around the world, The Utopian offers high-quality reportage and a searching analysis of important contemporary issues. Transgressing the limits of traditional journalism, The Utopian is also a prime forum for full-length photographic articles and experimental music.
Please take your time to discover the rich contents of The Utopian's inaugural issue. The Utopian's second issue - 'Beyond Liberalism' - will go online on July 14th. In the meanwhile, be sure to check back regularly to read the frequently updated entries in The Utopian's 'in brief' section.
To listen to Michael Mantler's Trumpet Concerto, click here.
