We in the music business have made a sub-industry out of hand-wringing and self-questioning about the future of classical music and our inability to reach into all corners of society for our audiences. Classical music is never going to be to everybody’s taste. Doubtlessly, there will always be that tag of “elitism”. So what?
It is our job to offer it to everyone, to make it available – as attractively as possible certainly – but not to keep hoping or expecting that some magic bullet is going to cause teenagers, rockers, exhausted yuppie parents and whoever else it is we think we are missing, to throng into the concert hall. We should not pretend that Classical Music is something that it isn’t. As Music Director of this fine regional orchestra, in an affluent and diverse area, I lead a team that will continue to try to build its audience by performing , talking about and advocating for this music in all ways, with the passion and enthusiasm that we have for it. One of Classical Music’s most potent strengths is that it can exactly relate to today’s society, but the audience has to be exposed to the whole spectrum, not just the “3 B’s”. If we restrict the repertoire to the “old warhorses” , we fuel the argument that this music is “old” and “irrelevant” and that the institution is only a museum. I also believe such actions tacitly acknowledge that the art form is indeed not alive and well. But it most certainly is! There are centuries of glorious music out there and today’s composers are as active and creative as ever. Instead of hand-wringing, let’s tap into that wonderful source with courage, vigor and optimism.
Read the post by Colin Eatock that inspired today’s message here:
http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2010/10/whats-wrong-with-classical-music
Chris Zimmerman, Music Director–The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
