In tune with the presidency

Date: 24/09/1998

The Austrian presidency has hit on a novel way of encouraging harmonious debate amongst the quarrelling factions which make up most meetings of national officials from EU member states. At last week's meeting of national research administrators in Graz, which included a visit to a local choir, the choirmaster unexpectedly lined up the visiting experts and coached them through the musical score of an 18th century aria.

After a hesitant start, everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion, and soon they were singing along heartily. The results, say observers, were unexpectedly tuneful.