Classical Music as Underground: A Case for Embracing Obscurity
In a reflective article for SF Classical Voice, the writer posits that classical music has become an underground movement, separate from popular culture. The piece, titled 'Classical Music Is Underground. Let It Be Underground.', addresses worries within the industry, especially in light of Timothée Chalamet's remarks regarding opera and ballet. Efforts by institutions such as the San Francisco Opera to modernize the genre have seen minimal success. Unlike pop icons like Taylor Swift, classical music struggles to forge strong connections with audiences, with 70% of its repertoire featuring works by composers who are no longer living. Challenges include steep ticket prices and a lack of awareness about budget-friendly options. The author views this obscurity as an opportunity for innovation and social commentary, promoting youth-driven initiatives to redefine classical music's future.
Key facts
- Classical music is now considered underground, no longer mainstream.
- San Francisco Opera has tried tweet seats and immersive theater to attract younger audiences.
- Timothée Chalamet's comments on opera and ballet sparked outrage earlier this year.
- Dead white composers make up nearly 70% of orchestral programming in the US.
- Contemporary composers like Gabriella Smith and Jasmine Barnes require contextual knowledge.
- Patricia Kopatchinskaja performed Ligeti's Violin Concerto in 2018 with an improvised cadenza.
- The author draws parallels between classical music and the metal scene.
- The article suggests classical music could learn from metal's youth-led, DIY ethos.
Entities
Artists
- Timothée Chalamet
- Taylor Swift
- Shostakovich
- Mozart
- Gabriella Smith
- Jasmine Barnes
- Patricia Kopatchinskaja
- György Ligeti
Institutions
- San Francisco Symphony
- San Francisco Opera
- SF Classical Voice
Locations
- San Francisco
- United States