Breaking the spell around Classical Music: Our Journey with String Quartets in MERITA project
Blog | December 16, 2023
Hello, readers! We’re Julian Cochran Foundation, an organization dedicated to reshaping the perception of classical music. Since December 2017, we’ve been working at the exciting intersection of business, art, and technology. Our foundation’s mission is innovation, creativity, and passion for classical music, which we believe is for everyone. In the MERITA project we would like to show and inspire professional string quartets with an original approach to performing chamber music.
Our Mission with MERITA Quartets
Our collaboration with MERITA quartets is a thrilling new chapter in our journey. Our training topic revolves around a fundamental question: How can we present classical music in unconventional formats and spaces? Today’s audience seeks more than just a performance; they crave a unique experience. This belief led us to work with MERITA quartets, aiming to push the boundaries of classical music into new and unexpected realms.
Redefining Performance Spaces
The foundation’s training topic in the MERITA project is built on the concept of accessibility and openness. We believe that classical music should not be confined to the traditional, often intimidating, concert hall setting. Instead, it should be experienced in diverse, unconventional spaces – from bustling city squares to serene parks, and even in digital realms.
Our collaboration involves organizing concerts in these unusual spaces, integrating classical music with different art forms, and experimenting with various formats. This approach not only challenges the performers but also invites the audience to engage with classical music in a more relaxed and intimate setting.
Our Training Approach: Empowering the Quartets
Our training focuses on imparting knowledge to the quartets based on our extensive experience in organizing and managing concerts. We aim to enlighten them about the entire process of creating and executing a project. This includes selecting repertoire, conceptualizing performances, understanding audience dynamics, and navigating logistical challenges.
The training is hands-on and interactive, encouraging the quartets to brainstorm, experiment, and develop their special projects devoted to chamber music. We emphasize the importance of storytelling in their performances, making classical music not just an auditory experience but a journey that resonates on a deeper emotional level.
Working with the Quartets: A Story of Engagement and Innovation
The quartets we collaborate with are incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic about developing their special projects. Their eagerness to learn and experiment is palpable, and their fresh perspectives bring new life to classical music.
As we prepare for the onsite training (artistic residency), the excitement is mounting. These talented musicians are not just learning to perform in new ways and spaces; they’re becoming ambassadors of classical music, ready to engage new audiences and break the stereotypes of traditional performances.
Looking Ahead
Our work with the MERITA quartets is just the beginning. Ahead of us are 5 weeks of training in 5 historic houses with 6 magnificent string quartets from across Europe!
In closing, our journey with the MERITA quartets is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. It’s a journey of transforming classical music into a dynamic, inclusive, and profoundly engaging art form. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and the new audiences we’ll inspire along the way.
Authors:
Karolina Sajniak-Drzyzga
Vice President of Julian Cochran Foundation
Wiktoria Bloch
CRS Coordinator / MERITA project manager for Julian Cochran Foundation