Many traditional classical music enthusiasts have strived to diversify classical music audiences long before the Covid-19 crisis. Now their work is facing a new sense of urgency. What if traditional audiences are unable to come to our venues? Are digital and virtual performances the answer? Can the crisis help us reevaluate our approaches to connecting with audiences, old and new?
Jacqui Cameron, education director at Opera North, Sarah Derbyshire, CEO of Orchestras Live and Annika Kukkonen, education producer at Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra were invited to share their insights. The discussion was hosted by Emilie Gardberg, Director of The Finnish Institute. The conversations was documented by business illustrator Virpi Oinonen.
Jacqui Cameron, education director at Opera North, has delivered instrumental teaching in numerous Scottish schools, performed as a flautist in a range of settings and worked in arts management, the latter including 10 years within the Learning and Participation Team at Sage Gateshead. Through its Education work, Opera North seeks to encourage people to explore the art form of opera and to break down perceived barriers to engagement with the artform.
Sarah Derbyshire, MBE, FRSA, has played a key role in working to ensure that high quality live performance is made accessible to all sections of society, and especially those facing restrictions due to disability, illness, economic or social isolation, and supported the education and career development of young musicians. Sarah currently works as Chief Executive of Orchestras Live – a groundbreaking organisation that puts into practice its motto ‘Orchestras are for Everyone’.
Annika Kukkonen is a music educator and outreach expert. Annika works as the Producer of Education at the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra chairs The Association of Finnish Symphony Orchestras’ outreach forum. Annika has extensive experience of developing orchestras’ outreach programmes in Finland and abroad.
Present is a series of discussions focusing on the future of cultural events programming. Read more about the series here.
