Classical Music

» mcrosbie - Becoming Relevant

This is a difficult question to answer. If you have ever watched Andre Rieu concerts featured on KCTS Channel 9 in Seattle you will notice the masses of people of all ages in Europe enjoying his concerts. I wonder if it is partly the approach of the conductor that makes a difference? Andre has great audience appeal and he invites the audience to participate in the music by clapping in time to it. My late husband, Michael Crosbie, was a conductor for a brief period in his colourful life of many talents. He had a style that invited audience participation. Due to ill health - manic depression, he was forced out of his career as a conductor and oboesit, which was always a source of grief to him throughout his life. I think it takes huge effort on the part of conductors to organize appearances in venues that makes them more accessable to the masses. Michael held a "Classical Rave" concert at the University of Moncton, New Brunswick in 2001 combining the music of youth with a bit of his classical piano performances. This was a fund raiser for the homeless and though it wasn't a huge smash success, he did raise awareness of the public to the plight of the homeless and also raised awareness of the students of classical music - mainly Chopin.

-- posted by mcrosbie