[untitled]: Classical Music’s Thrilling New Experience Breaks All the ‘Rules’

Posted on October 13, 2014, 7:57 pm
2 mins

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The concept of a “classical music lounge” might sound incongruous at first. Symphony orchestras are normally seen in large auditoriums or equally imposing, outdoor amphitheater-esque venues where the slightest crinkle of a cough-drop wrapper might evoke angry stares from nearby audience members.

Seattle Symphony’s [untitled] concert series endeavors to put an end to all that. [untitled] concerts take place in the large Grand Lobby of Benaroya Hall and listeners have a choice between sitting on carpet squares, on the staircases, in booths or at tables with a fully functional bar catering for thirsty customers throughout the concert. The acoustics of the lobby are impressive and provides the impression of surround-sound experience that differs depending on your position. Concerts start at 10 PM, and are, understandably, very informal in nature.

From Seattle Symphony’s VP of Artistic Planning, Elena Dubinets: “What we’re trying to do is to attract a different type of audience. No rituals, no rites, no holding applause—they are free to do whatever they want.”

These concerts also showcase edgier repertoire and the works of contemporary composers. The upcoming concert will feature Serbian composer Djuro Zivkovic’s On the Guarding of the Heart, Romanian-Hungarian-Austrian composer György Ligeti’s String Quartet No. 1 “Métamorphoses Nocturnes” and American composer Andrew Norman’s Try.

Associate Conductor Stilian Kirov will lead the 2014-2015 season’s three [untitled] concerts.

[untitled] by Seattle Symphony

When: Friday, October 17

Where: Benaroya Hall Grand Lobby (200 University Street)

General admission tickets available through www.seattlesymphony.org

Johann Van Niekerk is a writer, conductor and collaborative artist based in Seattle, WA. He holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Washington where his research focused on the role that music has played throughout history in effecting social change. Van Niekerk covers performing arts events in and around Seattle.