Tuesday (6/15) on her Washington Post blog Classical Beat, Anne Midgette writes, “Every year, it seems to me, the number of Messiah sing-alongs before Christmas grows by one or two. It isn’t enough for a chorus to put on a Christmas program; they have to also offer a Messiah for everyone to join in. This is one manifestation of a general trend, not only in music but in other fields, to want to get involved: not just to consume art and culture passively, but to take a hand oneself. … It’s been interesting this year watching the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra try to tap into their audience’s urge to make music themselves. When they announced the Rusty Musicians event in February—a chance for adult amateurs to play with the orchestra—more than 400 people signed up. … The National Orchestral Institute is inviting public contributions to its ongoing sessions. Anyone who uploads a video of his or her version of ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ (sheet music is available on the site; click the link above) by Wednesday is eligible to win tickets to Saturday’s orchestral concert; those who submit their version of the clarinet solo from the Brahms 3rd Symphony by Friday can win a free music lesson.”
Posted June 16, 2010
