delmarva
Part of the NPR digital network
Last updated 4:54AM ET
February 16, 2012
delmarva Archive
Search NewsRoom
Search NewsRoom
go
Advanced Search
Tools
Tools
In Focus Today
In Focus Today
The future of classical music
WNPR's Where We Live (2006-07-12)
Edward Cumming, music director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. MARIE KUHN, WNPR
HARTFORD, CT (wnpr) - For years, Orchestras have known about the so-called graying of their audience base. Where is the new generation of Classical music lovers? Are they truly getting older or do people's tastes simply change as they get pass a certain age? Is there a new audience out there for the classics and what do they like? Do you long for the days of Bernstein, Maria Callas, and Authur Rubinstein? Today on Where We Live, we talk with classical music leaders in the state. Our guest, Edward Cumming, music director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, talks about how the old models of attracting the classical music audience doesen't work anymore.

We also talk with Willie Anthony Waters, Artistic and general manger of the Connecticut Opera, who says education and outreach is the key to future generations of opera lovers. Also joining us by phone, Elaine Carroll, general manager of the Stamford Symphony Orchestra, who talks about how she challenges her audience with interesting programming, and Steve Metcalf, former classical music critic of the Hartford Courant. © Copyright 2012, wnpr