Q. Yeah, OK. But don’t dumb down the concert!
A. The classical music tradition has been defined by its restraint, formality and refinement. The largest call to finally relax that standard and adapt to broader demographics on occasion came from the American Symphony Orchestra League in 1993. The industry’s reaction was to stoke fear against dumbing down any concerts. And yet a working bridge encourages crossing over in both directions. All ideas are needed to connect more people to the abstraction of classical music. And true connection demands sacrifice, as proof of genuine goodwill.
Those of our musicians who are young or minority already experience music as “universal” tools for expression. They know how it is possible to serve more than the 22% who enjoy classical somewhat, and the 5% of them who actually support concerts. Broader connections call for balancing the refinement with humor, key insights, real interactions, shortcuts to learning, and populist passion. New Classical is the larger classical arts showing up, smartening up, and warming up.
As classical music lovers we need to share our real stories with family and friends at home and work. Imagine you’re the local Leonard Bernstein and start singing a favorite classical phrase. Hand dance to a favorite movement on the radio. Conduct the radio or simply dance with them in the room! Ponder comparisons between music and other activities you love. Bring someone to their first concert, sit in the very last row or stand at the back wall to whisper, move, or even finger conduct without distracting anyone. Show your way inside. Don’t think of it as dumbing down: think of it as priming the pump.
“Musical literacy may be challenging, but music appreciation just takes one good concert.”
– Chris Felcyn, Host, WRCJ-FM
CutTime offers a wide variety of music from Vivaldi to Stravinsky to Robinson. It points to what is enduring about humanity and where we might all meet, such as at a Classical Revolution event. We might meet in new music, such as Rick Robinson’s Pork ‘n Beans, or even in a hundred year old Mahler symphony. CutTime means making classical click with casual newcomers.
- Learn more about our Purpose.
- Read what Detroit Free Press Music Critic Mark Stryker wrote about CutTime.
- Recommend CutTime to your local concert presenters.
- Support CutTime’s growth.