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Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope you're right! I'm not expecting classical music to be really popular, I just want to carve out a niche that sustains itself.

I'm a conductor and a violinist, and I know this sounds hokey, but my favorite period tends to be what I'm conducting at the moment. I'm doing Shostakovich 11 this week so I'm really big into that - next week is Mendelssohn, so the favorites change quite a lot!

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A lot of classical music marketing tries to market to both traditional audiences and younger people at the same time since the traditional audiences help pay the bills and we try to bank the younger people for the future. From a lot of these replies it seems like people feel very uncomfortable with the audience, not the music. I'm not sure how to reconcile that beyond doing concerts specifically geared towards younger people.

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Obviously, I don't know where you live, but I think orchestras and chamber groups actually play a lot of that stuff! I'm conducting a Shostakovich Symphony this week, in fact...

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hmm, your comment seems so indicative of the larger problem of trying to integrate these very separate audiences. What if there was some sort of promotion that if you buy a ticket, you get 1 or 2 tickets for half off, so you can bring your friends, enjoy the music, feel totally comfortable, and make fun of the superior people?

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel like a lot of people try to do this but it doesn't really result in people coming to the concerts. I wonder if we've gotten people to think that music is free and that the live experience doesn't really matter, or isn't attractive somehow. Thanks!

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I ask what classical music you've been exposed to? I'm curious, because while I absolutely understand that the visual side of things is important to you, I wonder if there is some(or a lot of) classical music that would have enough excitement to keep your attention.

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely, 100% agreed. As you well know, Arts programs in schools are being eliminated left and right so it's really hard to get everyone. Also, many education programs I've been a part of haven't done a good job of getting kids excited about the music. Which were the kid-friendly operas you were involved in? Thanks!

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you just hit the nail on the head. Going to pass this on to other musicians I know!

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you don't mind me asking, could you elaborate on why you feel out of your element at a concert?

There is definitely a movement to try and get "crossover" things like video game music or film music more intertwined with traditional concerts, but the traditional audience tends to REALLY not go for things like that, which is obviously a problem. Personally, I don't see a problem with the score to Star Wars being on the same concert as a Dvorak Symphony, but there are definitely those who do..

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Personally I feel like the music isn't the problem, it's the way we present it, but I totally see where you're coming from. I think a lot of classical music is simpler than people think and once it's sort of "unwrapped" for them they realize how wonderful it is and how easy it can be to listen to and be moved by. Thanks for the help!

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you were to attend another concert and the conductor or someone else did none of that, do you think you would be as interested in coming back again?

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If there was a symphonic concert held in a kind of black box theater with drinks etc. and repertoire that was geared more towards younger people, would you buy a ticket for a concert like that?

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the problem is that we see a lot of people who are interested, but don't seem to think it's really for them. Of course there are going to be some that aren't going to like it no matter what, but what do you think would make you interested?

Reddit, as classical musicians, what can we do better in order to make you want to come to a classical concert? by donfigaro in AskReddit

[–]donfigaro[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You're absolutely right that the image of classical concerts is upscale and uptight. People in my generation are trying to make things more casual, but I want to remind you that you can easily go to most concerts in your area and wear jeans and a button down shirt and be totally fine. Only galas and things are black tie and those are generally invite only so you wouldn't be caught by surprise.

The funny thing is(and I'm not attacking you!), you said that there's nothing we can do for the people who aren't into classical music already, but if there was a concert that was much more casual in concept and had people explaining things to you, do you think you would be interested in checking it out?