Double Bass Interesting article

[Andy Mopley]

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I wonder if it is the same in other parts of the world?

 

[Tom Lane]

Sad. Instead of downsizing, I'd hope that these organizations would improve their fund raising. Easier said then done I'm sure.

 

[Andy Mopley]

Indeed, Tom..matter of fact, on fund raising...I wonder what ideas people have in terms of attracting bums on seats / attracing the corporate dollar...I know what even at a community orchestra level, we struggle to make ends meet (the odd raffle helps but it barely covers expenses!), let alone having members of the audience that are younger than say 45-50..On this, I think orchestras may need to rethink their programs, and, like it or not, occasionally make it audience friendly - for example, covering rock classics or finding way in which they can make the music more "contemporary"?

 

[Tom Lane]

At the end of the day, I think this about education. Teaching art appreciation beginning in elementary school. It's a very difficult challenge appealing to folks without any appreciation for art. Personally, I don't think *popularizing* the music works very well because it's still music without lyrics, or if there are, they're in a language Americans can't understand, without sexy dancers on stage. Yanni has a pretty large audience. What I've heard of his music I consider instrumental pop, so that might be one way to go.

 

[Les Fret]

and, like it or not, occasionally make it audience friendly - for example, covering rock classics or finding way in which they can make the music more "contemporary"?

Let's hope not! I agree classical music has to go along with it's time. But these days it is already becoming too trendy and commercial sometimes. We now have talent shows like Idols for classical music and programs where television celebrity B or even C stars (no musicians) are conducting orchestras on national television for fun. I can't take that seriously anymore. That's not the solution to 'save' classical music. It will only make it more superficial.

In the Netherlands they have downsized the number of orchestras drastically already. Also the government has destroyed about 50% (maybe more) of the music schools by not giving funds anymore. Culture is regarded as a left wing hobby now. That hurts but it's reality. It will influence the future of music education a lot.

 

[mcnaire2004]

It's hard to keep something alive that primarily relies on donations.

 

[PaulCannon]

It's hard to keep something alive that primarily relies on donations.

You're right. I'm sure the Vatican will be closing any day now.

 

[mcnaire2004]

You're right. I'm sure the Vatican will be closing any day now.

That would be great news actually.

If you have a way to convince people of the religion of music I'll sign up. People just aren't interested enough to rely on donations the way most orchestra's do.

 

[bassic16]

Indeed, Tom..matter of fact, on fund raising...I wonder what ideas people have in terms of attracting bums on seats / attracing the corporate dollar...I know what even at a community orchestra level, we struggle to make ends meet (the odd raffle helps but it barely covers expenses!), let alone having members of the audience that are younger than say 45-50..On this, I think orchestras may need to rethink their programs, and, like it or not, occasionally make it audience friendly - for example, covering rock classics or finding way in which they can make the music more "contemporary"?

Please correct me if anything I say is incorrect/misleading/or uninformed, as this is still a learning process. Rethinking programs and operating structures as a whole is something orchestras must do. Most US Orchestras that work in collaboration with ICSOM, ROPA, and The League of American Orchestras are all non-profit organizations. Orchestras rely heavily on donor contributions, and ticket subscriptions. With what Andy said, Orchestras must become audience friendly to "get with the times." When sitting in a symphony hall (other than those in high GDP metropolitan areas), common sights are empty seats, and graying hair. Orchestra boards are so fixated on cutting expenses and jobs, rather than thinking of ways to bring in revenue. One key factor of increased revenue is engaging younger audiences. Too often when speaking to individuals who don't frequent the orchestra about the orchestra, the topic of being unwelcoming comes up. The thought goes through my head of, "How the hell can somebody think Beethoven's 6th is uninviting?" But then the realization that the music isn't uninviting occurs. The experience and environment is what some would describe as uninviting. If Orchestras plan on thriving, walls need to start coming down, and audiences need to start being cultivated. When orchestras were first introduced to the public, it was very common for the audience to play a role in the performance. When they enjoyed what they heard, they clapped. When they disapproved, they expressed it. Classical musicians were the pop stars of that time. With the development of media and technology, live classical music has become something a limited number seek out. People prefer going to movies, attending pop concerts and sporting events, playing video-games, and using other forms of technology as a source of entertainment. All of these forms of entertainment immerse the user(audience), by engaging all of their senses and creating a fan base. It has become too common for one to click a link, and read an article/ open up a newspaper and discover another orchestra has folded and been locked out.

 

[PaulCannon]

I wouldn't get too worried about seeing a bunch of "grey hair" at your concerts. It's always been that way. Retired people are kind of an ideal audience for classical music. They have much more free time, more interest in leisure and cultural activities, more patience for longer and challenging pieces, and tend to be keen on "community" type events where they can see people and be seen. The coming wave of baby boomer retirements might well be the best thing to happen to US orchestras in decades.

That said, of course there's no harm in marketing to younger crowds as well. But you have to understand they have different interests. People in their 30's and 40's don't have much free time, so their leisure activities are precious. For younger married couples, ideally you would provide a complete evening. That means drinks, dinner, and nursery care for their kids. Toronto has had some success offering special after work concerts for the downtown business crowd. They play around 5 or 6 on weeknights, with the suggestion to skip rush hour and take in a concert on your way home.

College aged crowds are yet another thing, and they're a little bit like herding cats. You might catch some of them with pops concerts featuring film and video game music, but I don't think that translates to any greater interest in Brahms. The hipster and indie crowds will show up when you offer something like Steve Reich with a laser show at an abandoned factory (something my ensemble has been doing for years), but they just aren't interested in the traditional repertoire.