"saving" classical music
Stemming from reading this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/14/arts/music/14trey.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=ny%20philharmonic&st=cse
The classical music world is worried about declining audience, lack of funding, etc. I know this article is talking about a benefit concert, so it's special. But if orchestras would play with pop/rock/r&b/whatever musicians on a more regular basis I think that would start to bridge the gap between straight up classical listeners and pop listeners.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't spend my money going to classical music concerts, in fact i rarely spend my money on any concerts. As much as I love music I'd rather listen to it with my friends or by myself then in a large mass of people in uncomfortable chairs or sitting on the ground. But there are plenty of people who love going to live concerts and spend half their play money or more on just going to concerts. So why wouldn't they follow their favorite musicians to a symphony hall?
Granted not every popular musician is actually a good musician, and would be willing, or able, to play competently with an orchestra, but there are plenty of big name musicians who can and plenty who have played with orchestras. So, Orchestras, why not give it a shot? Do several concerts a year where you invite a non-classical popular guest musician to play with you. You'll increase your sales for concerts for at least those few, and who knows, maybe you'll gain a new audience for traditional/contemporary classical music. Which means all those people who came to see their favorite non-classical musician may hear something classical they like, and say "Hey, this isn't so bad. I want to hear more of it. Lets go to another concert!"
Maybe it wouldn't work, but it's worth a try. And if you have to do a benefit concert to get that big name musician there, so be it. At least you've got butts in the seats listening to something they might not otherwise listen to, and maybe they'll come back.
The classical music world is worried about declining audience, lack of funding, etc. I know this article is talking about a benefit concert, so it's special. But if orchestras would play with pop/rock/r&b/whatever musicians on a more regular basis I think that would start to bridge the gap between straight up classical listeners and pop listeners.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't spend my money going to classical music concerts, in fact i rarely spend my money on any concerts. As much as I love music I'd rather listen to it with my friends or by myself then in a large mass of people in uncomfortable chairs or sitting on the ground. But there are plenty of people who love going to live concerts and spend half their play money or more on just going to concerts. So why wouldn't they follow their favorite musicians to a symphony hall?
Granted not every popular musician is actually a good musician, and would be willing, or able, to play competently with an orchestra, but there are plenty of big name musicians who can and plenty who have played with orchestras. So, Orchestras, why not give it a shot? Do several concerts a year where you invite a non-classical popular guest musician to play with you. You'll increase your sales for concerts for at least those few, and who knows, maybe you'll gain a new audience for traditional/contemporary classical music. Which means all those people who came to see their favorite non-classical musician may hear something classical they like, and say "Hey, this isn't so bad. I want to hear more of it. Lets go to another concert!"
Maybe it wouldn't work, but it's worth a try. And if you have to do a benefit concert to get that big name musician there, so be it. At least you've got butts in the seats listening to something they might not otherwise listen to, and maybe they'll come back.