On Wednesday (2/11) at radio station WRTI (Philadelphia), Meridee Duddleston interviews Jesse Rosen, president and CEO of the League of American Orchestras, about new approaches being taken by orchestras with respect to concerts and audiences. These include late-night concerts by the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, and similar concerts by the orchestras of Charlotte, Dallas, and Detroit; the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s fantasy camp and “Rusty Musicians” program for adult amateur musicians; and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s LiveNote app, an interactive concert guide for mobile devices. “We see lots of work being done by orchestras … whether it’s having [musicians] out in the lobby talking with the audience, or video profiles on the orchestra’s website,” says Rosen. In Miami Beach, the New World Symphony’s space “converts into a club-like atmosphere. People dance and drink and visit—that kind of thing. The reason I’m optimistic is that orchestras are aware of what’s going on. They’re paying attention. And they are adapting their practices. And they are trying out new things. They’re experimenting. They’re innovating.” The radio broadcast can be heard here.
Posted February 12, 2015
