It is no secret that live music performance outside of rock and rap have been on the decline in America for several decades now. This is especially noticeable in the classical music realm, where the generations most familiar with this type of music are fading away. Quite commonly now, the major established concert venues across the country have empty seats even for what the old-timers would have called ‘masterpiece’ performances, headlined with the top soloists in the world.
Why is that?
A lot has to do with changing tastes in music. And, sadly, in recent decades public schools across the nation have by-and-large dropped classical music elements from general curricula, condemning it to the unknown for millions of children. For sure, the Covid pandemic upset performance schedules for two straight years globally. And there exist excellent recordings of all the major classical pieces performed by the world’s greatest musicians going back to the early part of the 20th century. If you don’t have the best-of-the-best on CD or DVD, you can surely stream them; so why shell out for a live performance?
Well, throughout the ages and to the present day the world has always witnessed the emergence of talented musicians who dedicate their lives to their art, and they continue to congregate in great performing ensembles, large and small, around the world. These immensely dedicated artists want to perform. It isn’t always just about collecting a paycheck, either. They feel the need to share their exceptional art and talent in a highly personal way, and they derive energy from their audiences. Everyone treasures their personal connections, and the world’s top performers are no different when it comes to playing before a live audience. Word of great places to play before great audiences travels fast in the music world.
You may ask, ‘don’t the top musicians only perform in the largest music venues in the world?’ The short answer is ‘no.’ Performers like to perform where their art and talent are deeply appreciated, and they do try to fit special smaller venues into their busy schedules when they can. It also helps if the smaller venues are associated with other pleasures in life such as, say, a community of truly friendly and generous people who welcome them, or maybe even one of the absolute best golf courses in Virginia.
Most of us classical music and jazz fans know about the famous small venues where the greats often play – Carnegie Hall’s famous Weill Recital Hall in NYC (268 seats), or the Chicago Cultural Center (550 seats), just to name a few. They tend to be fully booked.
You would be absolutely astonished at the number of immensely talented and famous performers who appear at the small university venues in our part of the world. So, why not perform before a loving audience at Fawn Lake’s Community Clubhouse (146 seats) or FLCC’s Cove (225 seats) if you are a famous musician with another gig in Washington or our general neighborhood?
All the best,
Peter
Events Committee