Front Row - 20/08/2009

Arts news and reviews with Kirsty Lang. Director Kathryn Bigelow tells Kirsty Lang about The Hurt Locker, her new film focussing on the courage of US soldiers working in a bomb disposal squad, serving in Iraq. Kirsty Lang looks at the rise in popularity of adventure books for children with authors Geraldine McCaughrean, David Miller and Graham Marks. They consider the influence of classics like Treasure Island and discuss whether adventure books have a role to play in a risk-averse culture. Writer Bidisha reviews the latest album from the Arctic Monkeys, Humbug. Daniel Barenboim is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra - his ensemble of young musicians from both sides of the Arab-Israeli divide - with two concerts at the Proms. The Late Night Prom includes Barenboim's violinist son Michael and his pianist protege Karim Said, nephew of the orchestra's co-founder, Edward. Michael and Karim explain the growing importance of classical music in the Middle East.