In my opinion, excellence in the arts* is among the highest goals toward which humanity can strive. In music, a composer (and performer) can deliver to the listener great beauty and wonder. Through music, a window into the very fabric of the universe can be opened. Music is one of those things that makes us distinct from animals; to encounter, to appreciate and to experience music is to more intimately apprehend what it means to be human.

* By "the arts", I mean to include: acting/drama, poetry, music, visual arts, literary arts, dance, and so on.