BY JASMINE MIDDLETON
We would like to welcome Jasmine in her first story as a CutCommon contributor.
We’re mid-way through 2018, but it’s already proving an exciting year for the Perth Symphony Orchestra.
High-energy concerts such as Signed, Sealed, Delivered and the upcoming return of Unplugged: Nirvana Reimagined are stirring audiences up out of their seats to dance in the aisles and belt out their favourite tunes. (Not even joking. Did you read our review?)
But for the next concert, audiences are invited to sit back – or even lie down on a yoga mat! – and share the rejuvenating power of classical music to retune their minds and bodies.
We catch up with PSO founder and director Bourby Webster (with one special insight from conductor Jessica Gethin) about the vision behind this orchestra’s newest avenue in reimagining the experience of classical music, C.A.L.M. (Come And Listen to Music).
What inspired you to undertake a new direction in upcoming PSO concert C.A.L.M.?
We were observing that many of our friends and colleagues were not making time for cultural activities but could always find amazing amounts of time for massages, yoga, physio, mindfulness activities, stretching classes and more. So clearly, people are trying to find ways to make time to look after themselves in these busy times; but not making the connection that music has always been a powerful healer, and can, in so many ways, nourish the mind and soul.
So, we decided to take music out of the ‘entertainment’ sphere, and put it where it happily sits: in the mindfulness sphere, offering people the chance to combine relaxation with live classical music in a bite-sized 40-minute long cultural and mindful experience.
Reconnecting with our mind and body is certainly something we need within our busy, fast-paced lives. How can experiencing classical music contribute to enhancing our sense of mindfulness?
Live classical music offers the most amazing way to feel, sense, and experience music in an almost physical way. The vibrations created in a space surrounding musicians and instruments are felt physically, and the ebb and flow of the music can have a profound effect on people’s mood, wellbeing, and emotions.
We performed a mindfulness concert one lunchtime, invited by one of our partners, Hawaiian, and the feedback was that employees returned to work after lunch totally relaxed and in a different headspace, resulting in a more positive attitude to work and a greater level of productivity.
We are hoping that by performing immediately after work, the music provides a ‘gateway’ between a fully focused, driven, commercial mindset, to a more relaxed, refreshed, and invigorated sense of wellbeing, which is a far better way to return home to your family or partner.
What made you decide to program Mozart’s Jupiter symphony to create this momentary ‘sanctuary’ in the city?
Jessica Gethin: Mozart instantly came to mind for this unique concert, the second of our C.A.L.M. series. The C.A.L.M. concept was intended to take people away from the hectic pace of their day; give some respite from the constant pressures of schedules, deadlines, and technology through the power of music. I really wanted to take the audience on a journey that would invigorate and refresh them, rather than leave them sleepy!
The effect of Mozart on people has been known to regulate the body, lower the heart rate, boost creativity and clarity, calm the system, and relieve stress. I chose Mozart’s final Symphony No. 41, which has much energy and majesty in its architecture and sound. It features a beautiful second movement, a stately minuet, and an uplifting finale to finish, which I hope will leave audience members invigorated and refreshed.
This symphony usually resides within the traditional concert hall. Why is it important to experiment with new ways of presenting classical music, such as changing venue or hosting themed concerts?
BW: Concert halls are the most incredible, majestic, often beautiful spaces in which to experience an orchestra. And, of course, the acoustics are designed for this purpose, so classical music will never sound better than in a concert hall.
Sadly, a significant number of people we asked when trying to understand why people are reluctant to go to a classical concert [explained that this] is because they find the concert hall experience overwhelming or too formal. We have found by taking classical music out of a formal setting, and into a space more accessible, the potential audience perceives the music differently.
We are dying to find ways to get more people to experience the power of classical music, so if this is what people want – performing in less traditional venues – then this is what we will do.
Often, the thought of digesting a whole concert of unknown music can be off-putting, so by adding other elements into the concert, or other reasons to come, we stand more of a chance of exciting people and tempting them to try classical music.
It is important for the future of classical music – and orchestras – that we build our audience and make ourselves as appealing and as relevant as we can.
The PSO’s mantra is ‘Music for Everyone’. How do you envision this style of concert will contribute to our awareness of the benefits of music in everyday life?
By placing the concert at the end of the work day (doors and bar are open for wine or health drinks from 5.30pm, music from 6pm), we are hoping to make it much easier for people to fit in a cultural experience into their day, rather than either having to wait around for a couple of hours in the city, or go home, and rush to come back out again.
We really feel that by positioning the concert as a mindful experience (and creating a softly lit ambience, with relaxation breathing before we start to play) not just entertainment, city workers will understand there is a value proposition to them personally that will improve their lives.
We offer three types of tickets: relaxation mat (these are already sold out and sold first) to experience the concert lying down or sitting cross-legged on the floor; seats; or standing – meaning patrons can experience the concert however they choose.
If people go home in a different headspace, or in a different mood, and their evening with their family is better because of it, then perhaps we will open the door to a greater participation by a wider audience in classical music experiences.
C.A.L.M. is as much a concept as it is a concert. Will we be seeing more mind-and-body-oriented performances with the PSO in the future?
We are always taking risks – and will continue to do so if it means we can encourage more people to have music in their lives. Judging by ticket sales so far, there will be a fantastic turnout, which will be the confidence we need to do more.
Our dream would be for corporates to bring classical musicians into their workplaces at lunchtime for the benefit of employees, changing the way the city ‘feels’ each day. If that happened, you’ll be seeing Perth Symphony doing many more of these performances, ensuring they’re a necessity, not a luxury!
Experience C.A.L.M. with the PSO at 6pm August 16 in the Perth Town Hall.
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Images supplied. Jessica Gethin captured by Richard Jefferson Photography.
