The powers-that-be in classical music may want to break down the stuffy norms, but as I found, the masses can react violently
In the past few days, the story about my attempt to crowdsurf during a performance of Handel's Messiah in Bristol has gone viral. As a dual US/UK citizen who practises science, art, and cultural theory, I'm no stranger to the controversy that can accompany stirring up the boundaries.
The backstory here is as interesting as the image of some science nerd crowdsurfing during the Messiah. In 2013, Bristol's Old Vic theatre ran the "Bristol Proms". The idea was to relax the standard classical rules in order to reach new audiences. This approach is a result of simple economics: with public arts funding being slashed, art is feeling the heat to generate profit. Classical music is no exception. A classical concert is expensive, and the age distribution of typical classical audiences spells a real risk of the art form drying up.
Continue reading... Reported by guardian.co.uk 9 hours ago.
In the past few days, the story about my attempt to crowdsurf during a performance of Handel's Messiah in Bristol has gone viral. As a dual US/UK citizen who practises science, art, and cultural theory, I'm no stranger to the controversy that can accompany stirring up the boundaries.
The backstory here is as interesting as the image of some science nerd crowdsurfing during the Messiah. In 2013, Bristol's Old Vic theatre ran the "Bristol Proms". The idea was to relax the standard classical rules in order to reach new audiences. This approach is a result of simple economics: with public arts funding being slashed, art is feeling the heat to generate profit. Classical music is no exception. A classical concert is expensive, and the age distribution of typical classical audiences spells a real risk of the art form drying up.
Continue reading... Reported by guardian.co.uk 9 hours ago.