The OMG Classical series (OMGC) is plugging the classical arts into popular culture. It was initially launched in 2010 as Classical Revolution Detroit (CRD) by CutTime’s founder Rick Robinson (aka Mr. CutTime). As a Detroit Symphony Orchestra bassist and a 2010 Kresge-winning composer, he was already arranging hit symphonic music for CutTime ensembles to play in schools and churches since 1993. With CRD CutTime began to make classical music party, in bars, clubs, homes and often amplified. CutTime applies fun, clever surprises, metaphors, body language and participation to variety programs that challenge industry standards for community engagement, music education and fundraising. Best of all, Robinson’s American romantic-style compositions reset the context for classical in relevant and emotional terms.
It is top edu-tainment.
Along with volunteers, grants, fiscal sponsorships, very generous donors and non-profit partnerships, the CRD series popped up regularly across Michigan and several places across the country to pull new people into the center of music making (audience centrism). This is user design (UX) to work the other side of the coin of classical music: performers expecting audience to participate, and wanting to make the audience laugh and follow entry-points, often with meaningful surprises. Even as background, audience picked up on musical information, beauty and undeniable magic, and step past historic social barriers. Classical music, offered instructively, now becomes easier to start using.
Everyone deserves the drama, emotional flow and epiphany of the classical arts. Robinson gives answers to many of the biggest burning-but-unspoken questions, such as What’s in it for me here and now?