It was only a matter of time.

The classical world sinks into vulgarity and correctness.

From the article:

‘Vulva’ is the Latin term for female genitalia. It is used in anatomy lessons at medical school and has no wider social or literary application. It designates the entire body area of the female genitals.

* * *

Now, it would be considered unseemly, and rightly so, if a male group were to call itself the Phallus Quartet, or the Membrum Virile.

So why apply a different standard to a female ensemble?

Because it’s just Latin and no-one knows what it means?

Wrong message.

I’m afraid the estimable Norman Lebrecht is clueless here. The message is exactly the right one for its intended recipients, the CRT, DEI, LGBTQIA2S+-×÷§∆π~® crowd. It’s a virtue signal, telling them: “We’re different. We may be playing Bartok, the Mozart Haydn Quartets and Late Beethoven, but we’re at a far remove from those other string quartets part of the fascist-racist white-male power structure. So show your support by coming to and being seen at our concerts, even if you’re bored to death by chamber music. Bring your ear pods and listen to whatever you want, but be there.”

I’m sure the Vulva Vocians would want to put the above in different words, but the message will be the same, whatever words they choose.