Barenboim set to promote musical education

LONDON, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Famed conductor Daniel Barenboim plans to call for increased musical education for young people when he performs in London next year.

In conjunction with his scheduled performance at London's Royal Festival Hall in 2008, Barenboim has made it clear he intends to expand the reach of music by promoting musical education, The Independent said Saturday.

"Music has disappeared from the education curriculum and this has far-reaching consequences," Barenboim said. "It means there are billions of people who have no contact with music, and I believe their lives are all the poorer for that."

The conductor's appearance at the musical hall also will mark the first time in more than 40 years he will perform all of Ludwig van Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas in London.

The British newspaper said the last time Barenboim completed the musical feat was 1967, when he performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.