VC VOX POP | “What Would You Say to Someone Who's Never Attended a Classical Concert Before?” [Q&A]

The Violin Channel recently caught up with 30+ of the world’s top string players to find out …

“What would you say to someone who has never seen a classical music concert to come to your performance?”

The Violin Channel recently caught up with 30+ of the world’s top string players to find out …

Russian-born Violinist, Dmitry Sitkovetsky:

“You don’t have to know anything about the composer, composition or performer ... just open your heart and soul to it and have a great time" 

Ariel Quartet Violinist, Gershon Gerchikov:

“Come like you're going to the theater, or the movies, with the same expectation to be transported ... the music and performers will do the rest”

VC Artist Dover Quartet Second Violinist, Bryan Lee:

“I would say whatever preconceived notions one might have about classical music, to forget about them ... and just try to enjoy the music for what it is"

German-Japanese Concert Violinist, Arabella Steinbacher:

“Just listen and be open ... the music will speak to you ... no matter if you know anything about it or not”

Kronberg Academy Pedagogue & Violinist, Mihaela Martin:

"I would tell that it's worth coming ... in order to experience the incredible gift of generosity that music gives us"

American Violinist, Stephanie Chase:

“I would try to convey that an excellent, humane interpretation of great music has a spiritual element that can strongly affect the receptive listener and remain memorable through a lifetime"

VC Artist Violinist, Ray Chen:

“Remember the first time you tried a new dish or cuisine at a restaurant? ... perhaps you didn’t think you were going to like raw fish the first time you tried sushi ... or who knew you would enjoy oysters one day? ...  it’s all about the right time, the right place, and the right people”

VC Artist Violinist, Stefan Jackiw:

“This music you're about to hear traverses the range of human emotions from the most tragic lows to the heights of ecstasy ... and will take you on a wild ride that will leave you forever changed ... please do clap between movements"

VC Artist Violinist, Francisco Fullana:

"To not be afraid ... and don’t worry about all those classical music cliches you have heard ... leave them at the door ... just sit down and let the music take you on a memorable journey!"

VC Artist Violinist, Paul Huang:

“I would probably explain a little bit about the particular program that I’m inviting the person to come hear ... guarantee them that they will love classical music afterward ... and leave the rest unspoken"

VC Artist Cellist, Kian Soltani: 

“Come and sit down ... and try to imagine a film or a story playing in your head with the music ... see how imaginative you can be”

Russian-American Violin Soloist, Philippe Quint:

“2 things ... 1 ... what do you have to lose? ... 2 ... there will be free beer at the reception"

Canadian Violin Soloist, Lara St John:

"Well ... it'll be better than Breitbart!”

Israeli-born Cellist, Matt Haimovitz:

“I am reminded of a comment my trio received after a Beethoven Piano Trio cycle at the Louvre in Paris ... the legendary actor Gerard Depardieu came back stage to greet us and exclaimed in his thick French accent ... “I feel so much smarter now!"”

Dutch Violinist, Noa Wildschut:

“That I’m planning to wear a really beautiful concert dress ... and that every note has a unique meaning and intention ... and the notes form a story together"

VC Artist Violinist, Benjamin Beilman:

“You're allowed to hate it ... and ... clap whenever you feel like it!”

VC Young Artist Violinist, Timothy Chooi:

“Well, since it's me performing, I'd like you to come watch me play ... it will change your life!"

VC Young Artist Violinist, Marc Bouchkov:

“That they should definitely come because what they are going to see is something they've never seen before..." 

VC Young Artist Violist, Timothy Ridout: 

“I think a lot of people get nervous about the right etiquette when they haven't been to concerts before ... but I'd say that it's fairly simple; when in Rome…!“

Australian Funster, TwoSet Violinist, Eddy ‘Shreddy’ Chen:

“Befriend them ... and then just say you have a concert and ask them if they'd like to come!" 

Australian Funster, TwoSet Violinist, Brett ‘Bang’ Yang

"You’ll have an *interesting* time ..."

Violin Virtuoso & Fashion Model Filip Pogady:

“I'd tell them just to have fun ... and to bring as many friends as possible!”

VC Rising Star Violinist, Kevin Miura:

“I really appreciate audience members who are there for the first time to experience classical music ... they tend to be the most receptive”

VC Rising Star Violinist, Yesong Sophie Lee:

“I would say ... "You've never been to a classical music concert before? ... you're missing out on a really magical experience ... wanna come along?"”

VC Young Artist Cellist, Aurélien Pascal:

“Here is a free ticket!”

VC Artist Violinist, Jennifer Pike:

“That would be spoiling the surprise ...”

VC Rising Star Violinist, María Dueñas:

"Come ... close your eyes ... and dream!"