Cleveland Orchestra plays in bars to reach new audiences

[Evil Eye]

Audiences for classical music across the US have declined in recent years because people's listening habits have changed.

It is often easier and cheaper to experience great orchestras online and while older music lovers might shudder at the idea, research shows that most Americans under the age of 30 actually prefer it.

But Cleveland, Ohio, boasts one of the world's top orchestras and rather than accept the empty seats at Severance Hall, the musicians decided to seek out new audiences in an unlikely venue.

The BBC's Jane O'Brien went to a Cleveland neighbourhood and listened to Schubert and Beethoven in a very different environment.

Video: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22617217


Awesome. Would you enjoy having a live orchestra play in your local bar?

 

[Naviero X]

I would consider seeing an orchestra at a bar, but that is a new idea. I don't think of music in bars beyond small, local bands.