- event type:Classical:NEXT 17 Conference
- date:18 May 2017
- time:11:00 - 11:45
- city/area:Rotterdam
- venue:De Doelen, Conference Room 3 (fourth floor)
- country:Netherlands
- event posted by:Piranha Arts
Chaired by Shirley Apthorp (South Africa/Germany), music journalist, freelance/Financial Times
Space for professional commentary on classical music in the mainstream media is dwindling or has, in many cases, disappeared completely. Amateur commentary on social media and in blogs has increased exponentially, and in-house media teams from larger institutions are producing their own material, but neither of these new forms offer objective, informed, professional commentary.
In a world where content is driven increasingly by popularity (a competition in which classical music is unlikely to win), and where expertise is viewed with growing suspicion, old-school music criticism seems to have no place. Meanwhile, musicians seek authoritative quotes about their performances, and organisations hope for coverage in mainstream media.
Does the classical music industry accept that the era of professional music commentary is over, or can we work together to find a solution?