Breaking Down Barriers between Audience and Performers

This presentation describes a unique approach to the concert genre in general, and the educational and family concerts in particular. This approach is expressed in the "the Dramatized Concert" format.

In the Dramatize Concert music and narration (or music and script in some programs) are related to the life of composer, musical form, texture and orchestration , stories behind various works, and other parameters we use to "tell about" – go through live theatrical \ musical interdisciplinary experience. The conductor \ narrator is not busy "explaining music" but he, and the orchestra are part of the scene in front of the audience in real time, so that the messages pass through to the audience in an experiential and intellectual event at the same time, creating an enjoyable experience for the audience and the performers alike.

This concert model design focuses on several principles as:

• Music and Orchestra should be at the center of attention, and the formats should be open enough so as not to force a preferred way of listening. (The music will never be in the role of "accompanying the extra-musical scene")
• Language and approach are universal and does not depend on background knowledge, age, sector, and cultural diversity. (Excerpts from programs which were successfully performed for children, who are coming from a very different background to the Israel Philharmonic audience, will be displayed).
• Humor and lightness are necessary and at the same time seriousness and depth of content.
• The artist must surprise himself every time anew ("with routine begins the death of art").
• It is important to challenge the orchestra players and call them to step out of their comfort zone in every new program.
• In each of the shows, the audience will go out into the life after the show with at least one new insight.

This model shows - for over 2 decades - proven success in breaking barriers between the concert genre, and diverse audiences. It keeps up with the contemporary world while maintaining the tradition of classical music. This model of Dramatize Concert permits a long-term perspective on establishing audience relationships.