Come hear us: Sturm und Drum

The NUS Symphony Orchestra performing in Aberdeen, for the Aberdeen International Youth Festival's Opening Concert 2005. This photo was taken by an anonymous photographer.


On 16 March 2007, be treated to not just one, but two Singapore premieres of showpieces performed by the viola soloist, Anatoly Zelinsky. Violin and even cello solos are quite commonly heard in Singapore, but it is a fairly rare treat to be able to listen to a viola solo performed in public, right in Singapore.

I am biased. If I were to choose between the sound of a viola and the violin, I would definitely prefer the sound of the viola because it is closer to the range of human voice. (Of course, I am even more biased because I love the sound of the double bass!)

I like the synopsis of the concert found on Sistic's website, and I hope to see how such a synopsis could draw more audience for our orchestra to share our music and the joy of music-making with.

To be straight to the point, I shall offer the details of the concert right here:




Sturm und Drum
Date: 16 Mar 2007 (Fri)
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: University Cultural Centre Hall, NUS
Ticket Price: $11 each (including $1 Sistic Booking Fee)

Programme:
· Rimsky-Korsakov: Russian Easter Festival Overture
· Hindemith: "Trauermusik" for Viola and Orchestra (Singapore premiere)
· Paganini: Grand Sonata for Viola & Orchestra (Singapore premiere)
· Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op 68, 'Pastoral Symphony' Movements 4 & 5
· Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op 43, Movements 3 & 4

Listening to a classical music concert can actually be quite affordable. I happen to have discounted tickets which are priced at $9 each only (including the $1 Sistic Booking fee). If you would like to get some help with the purchase of the discounted tickets, please send me an email. My email address can be found under my Blogger's profile. Alternatively, you may purchase the regular-priced tickets through Sistic.

Yours truly will be playing in this concert. If you would like to see yours truly in action, on the double bass, this is one chance that you will have. I hope I could have the pleasure to play for you on the stage for this coming concert.

***
Meantime, I was told by our dear orchestra's President, that in order just to break even, we would need to sell at least 80% of the tickets. A week ago, our dear Secretary told me that the orchestra is looking for sponsors to support us for the concert (e.g. to place advertisement on the concert's programme booklets).

Well, while I hope to play to a hall that is at least 80% full in capacity, I have learnt that the orchestra could not be dependent on Sistic's efforts in publicising and marketing for the concert. I have my reasons for that.

Many questions continue to lurk in my mind:

• In today's world, how could classical music continue to remain relevant and be an inspiring force for people?
• How to make listening to classical music appealing?
• How can orchestras that perform classical music attract new pool of audience and still retain their existing pool of audience?
• What are the factors that motivate a person to attend a classical music concert?
  

In the hope to find the answers to a few of the above questions, I found myself reading some of Cooler Insights' posts related to marketing. I am struggling a bit, but I suppose it is normal for a novice to marketing? I hope to make some discoveries.