On Wednesday (6/4) at Seattle radio station KUOW, Marcie Sillman speaks to KING-FM classical radio host Dave Beck about orchestras that are successfully finding ways to attract new and younger audiences. At the Seattle Symphony, which is hosting the League of American Orchestras’ National Conference this week, Beck says, “Music Director Ludovic Morlot’s youthful presence and ideas are a real shot in the arm. The team chemistry at Seattle Symphony—the combination of artistic, educational, administrative leadership at the symphony right now—is extraordinary.” Beck cites as examples the orchestra’s successes with its informal Friday-night “Untuxed” concerts (“There are so many rituals about going to a classical music concert—when to stand up, when to sit down, when to clap, what to wear—that people are not familiar or comfortable with. Anything you can do to demystify that is hugely helpful”), as well as its Sonic Evolution series linking Pacific-area pop artists with classical composers, including this month’s pairing of composer Gabriel Prokofiev and hip-hop artist Sir Mix-A-Lot. Other orchestra successes Beck cites include the San Francisco Symphony and its “Keeping Score” education program and media initiative; the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s film-music concerts paying homage to Hollywood heritage; and the Cleveland Orchestra’s new $50 Fan Card giving people age 18 or access to an unlimited number of concerts at Severance Hall.
Posted June 6, 2014
Pictured: Seattle Symphony Music Director Ludovic Morlot in rehearsal with Sir Mix-A-Lot. Photo by Jill Becker
