Page 304 - ASMF Marriner 100 Coverage Book

Orchestras across the country are trying new ways to engage with audiences.
Photo by Taylor Brown

"It's an amazing time for classical music," says Flavin, citing the success of the
popular "Candlelight" concert series. In 2020, Flavin began performing as a musician
in intimate events held in various venues illuminated by seas of candlelight and
produced by a commercial company, Fever, that puts on shows around the United
States. They typically feature a string quartet or a small jazz band performing the hit
songs of popular musicians like Nirvana, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, and
Ed Sheeran, as well as some concerts that feature classical composers such as Vivaldi
or contemporary film score composers like Hans Zimmer. Venues range from
Pinecrest Gardens to the Coral Gables Congregational Church.

Smitter says younger audiences are looking for something else and has hopes the
Arsht conversations can help bring people in.

"The thing that's saving [the orchestra] right now is Harry Potter movie screens.
People are going to the symphony to watch a movie with live music and are realizing
the power of it," says Smitter.

Flavin says it's the perception that needs to change.

"I think it's important that we break the stereotype that this is old music, this is dead
music, and it's boring. I love these conversations because I talk a bit about the music
and the composer that wrote it, but then [I talk] also about the performers because
they are the ones that make this music come alive," says Flavin, who adds that
includes time for a question-and-answer session at the end of his talk to further the
conversation.