“The expectation is that we sit.” Is concert behavior at odds with human experience?
Should we encourage dancing in the aisles during an orchestra concert? Probably not—because, as I said earlier, the medium is best absorbed through quiet, focused attention. But what’s wrong with offering waltz lessons in advance of a Schubert performance? Or leading the audience in a sing-along of the “birch tree” folk song Tchaikovsky used in his 4th Symphony? Or providing venues for our audiences to engage in discussion with each other and with the artists during intermission? Technology can be part of the answer—but only part. Nothing will replace direct, human interaction.
Different approaches will resonate with different audiences. But I suggest that we take up the questioner’s challenge, and offer our audience member more than a polite chuckle at her suggestion that a classical music experience might involve some of the same levels of engagement as a rock concert.
—Susan Key
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Rick Robinson:
May 5th, 2012 at 7:48 am
Thank you Susan! This is one of my favorite topics… because it is time we face the fact that IF we want to attract audiences who don’t agree the terms we impose on a traditional concert, can we provide alternate products that or settings that meet them halfway? I have suggested the idea of a dance floor in the back of the main floor for persons who listen best on their feet. An alternate and non-permanent solution in many halls is to PERMIT audience to stand, pace and move in any available spaces that would not disturb anyone else. Ushers can monitor that no one becomes disruptive. Persons might even “conduct the orchestra” in this space if it is darker enough! This would give so many people a way in! My sister like to play “air violin” when she hears an orchestra.
Of course this doesn’t allow people to make any noises, talk or sing along as folk like to do. For that you need to pipe the music into a seperate space along with quality video of the performers. I have advocated a “classical club” space in our halls both for this purpose as well as a pre- and post-concert continuation of the musical evening. A VEEJAY could oversee all these technological balances in a well-funded club that could become the envy of rock venues! NWS is doing this outdoors… why not inside for us in the north?
Susan Key:
May 7th, 2012 at 10:23 am
Fantastic ideas, Rick! I’d love to hear from more orchestra folks about what they have done / would like to do along these lines. Susan
Rick Robinson:
May 8th, 2012 at 7:49 am
Thanks Susan. I would like to hear from ANY other orchestra musicians! Sadly, they must avoid such discussions like a rocker must avoid symphony concerts. Fortunately, there is a lot we can do independently of the orchestra… such as the Classical Revolution (.org) movement or my mission with CutTime® (.com).