Worth it or a Waste of Time? Grad Studies in Paris (or indeed, elsewhere)

Paris works well as a place to visit, sight see and such but is it worthwhile deciding to stay here? Pursue grad studies here? What are the benefits? Do PhD studies still have the same value that they used to hold? In early 2011, I stumbled across an interesting article in the Economist that basically…

A Monster in Paris

I came out a few months ago as a fully grown man who studies important things at an important institution but who loves cartoons nonetheless – and so, I am delighted to report with much pride that ‘A Monster in Paris’ is definitely one of the best Paris-themed film to watch. It touches on quite…

The Day I Saw Anna Netrebko in concert + an upcoming performance

It was a huge day when I got to see Anna Netrebko in concert, thanks to the gift of an excellent view seat ticket from my partner. The performance of a Russian repertoire was nothing short of mesmerizing – the audience was so impressed they applauded for three encores from Madame Netrebko. The other exciting…

A must experience – Universities of Paris Orchestra and Choirs (a free concert on the horizon!)

A few weeks ago, I had the beautiful opportunity to sit in Saint Eustache and listen to the combined choirs of various branches of the University of Paris.The order and beauty of the setting was competently matched by a performance that drew upon a predominantly sacred ensemble of music. As much as many Parisians would…

A Hermit Grad Student’s Perspective on the Election Outcome

After being swamped under mountains of work, I am only beginning to emerge from the cloistered life of a grad student. I have the awkwarndess of a hermit being thrust back into the social world, walking quickly down busy streets, avoiding eye contact with people and walking with a head slightly tilted sideways. I stop…

Paris in the month of May

One of the themes that recur in music about Paris is its versatility and adept capacity to transform itself in response to changing weather patterns. The beauty of Paris in each of the four seasons is communicated in some of the most compelling voices of times past – be it Ella Fitzgerald’s singing ‘I love…