September 15, 2006 at 12:18 AM
As musicians, we owe it to our society and to ourselves to harass everyone we know about coming to our performances.I had this thought when I realized that my upcoming concert with the New West Symphony had the following program: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, the Tchaikovsky piano concerto and a West Side Story medley.
Who could possibly turn away from that? Call them "warhorses," but a warhorse is a reliable animal. Still, after playing the ubiquitout Beethoven 5 to the point where I could probably go it without the music, it's hard to remember to "sell it" to people.
This time, with a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, a time when children can attend, I decided to assemble as much of a fan base as I could. I asked friends I'd seen at my high school reunion, have a not to allmy students, asked my family and told fellow parents at my kids' elementary school. I told them how great the music was, and helped them to understand that it was music they knew. I even sang to people. Then I assured them I'd love to see them there.
So most of them couldn't come. It is across town, and on a weekend. But at least a half-dozen are planning to come, and many others seriously considered it. That means that if I continue to harass them, they might come one day, or they might think about another classical music event as a result of my personal invitation to this one.
People who are already inclined to enjoy classical music tend to be a little more interested when someone they know is playing in the violin section.
Do you have any friends or acquaintances like that? Do you have any performances coming up? Then don't hesitate: HARASS.
By the way, can you come to my concert? :-)
I wish I could come to your concert, Laurie! I'd wear my v.commie shirt ;).
"Was it last Sunday? Sorry I forgot."
"Sorry I can't, I have 2 birthday parties to attend."
"I'm too busy with work." (On a Sunday afternoon)
"Sorry I missed it. Let me know when the next concert is." (as if he really cares)
ETC. ETC. ETC.
In a way, I'm glad my family lives overseas because I knew they wouldn't give a crap and it would hurt more.
Now I don't give a crap about anyone I know attending our concert. I enjoyed the rehearsals, learned from performing and had a nervous but rewarding and a great time. That's all that count.
In the future, if anyone ask about my concert just to prentend to care but doesn't really give a crap, I'll just ignore them.
Anyone know where to find friends that care about classical music and me enough to come to my concerts?
Sheila
I can't point fingers, because I can be pretty cheap, myself. I just try not to expect anything from my friends, and I try to remember not to be unsupportive to others when it matters to them.
Whenever I've done that, I've had much better attendance at concerts that I've played at than when I haven't.
It eliminates the "Oh, I forgot" excuse.
True, people ought to just remember when your concert is. But the reminder email definitely works!
This entry has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
Violinist.com is made possible by...
Dimitri Musafia, Master Maker of Violin and Viola Cases
2023 Authenticate LA: Los Angeles Violin Shop
ARIA International Summer Academy
Johnson String Instrument/Carriage House Violins
Discover the best of Violinist.com in these collections of editor Laurie Niles' exclusive interviews.
Violinist.com Interviews Volume 1, with introduction by Hilary Hahn
Violinist.com Interviews Volume 2, with introduction by Rachel Barton Pine