When classical music breaks the rules

Mischa Damev, why do we need a new concert format?

The world is evolving, but classical music has been trapped in a tight corset of strict rules for more than a century. What's more, young audiences are turning their back on it because they see it as something that takes place in a dusty museum behind high walls, even though they themselves sometimes listen to classical music.

What exactly can we expect?

We're organising fewer concerts and more shows, experimenting with different disciplines, such as dance and pantomime, sometimes accompanied by spectacular lighting effects.

Won't that distract from the music?

On the contrary. A work's message can be better conveyed by staging it in this way. A musical score only reflects a part of what the composer intended. It’s then up to the performers to bring the piece to life in their own way. Moreover, we aren't doing anything new. As far back as 300 years ago, the concerts of Farinelli and Paganini were staged spectacles with candlelight and constant costume changes.

Are the musicians willing to leave their comfort zone?

Yes, more than ever. Of course, this requires more preparation because the orchestra often now plays from memory. But the more that work is done behind the scenes, the more extraordinary the result can be. In addition, the musicians interpret the pieces differently under these conditions, for example by drawing inspiration from the dancers. A dialogue is created.

Aren't you worried about losing your regular audiences?

When we tried the format out at a concert last year, we realised not only that did we have a lot more young people in the hall, but that the vast majority of regular guests also appreciated this innovation. That’s normal. After all, if you eat spaghetti every day, you want to try something different now and again.