In October, I had the pleasure to lead the new and exciting young orchestra – the Jerusalem Street Orchestra. Founded by conductor colleague and close friend Ido Shpitalnik in 2013, this orchestra brings the orchestra experience to the audience. Rather than holding regular concerts in regular halls, the orchestra performs many outside concerts during the summer and in very unusual places during the winter.
Our project in October consisted of Beethoven sixth symphony, the “Pastorale” symphony, in F Major and performing with soloist Rafael Skorka Schumann’s fantastic and much loved piano concerto in A minor. The concert was part of a 3 days festival held in a most unusual place – a commercial center in downtown Jerusalem. Named “Binyan Klal”, this commercial center is build in a very unusual way, in a spiral sort of architecture, that can actually give a great concert experience
Performing outside of the concert hall, in our 21st century, is definitely something orchestras should consider. Not only outside summer concerts but also bring audience to unusual halls, centers, malls and more to enrich the experience of the city and bring to life new buildings.
For any orchestra looking to enhance their audience, to get more exposure from the local citizens, this can be an excellent solution. Concert halls can be an intimidating experience for a new comer to orchestra concerts. Bringing the concert experience to him can break that barrier and bring them closer to the classical music world.
A big thanks to Ido Shpitalnik and the Jerusalem Street Orchestra for having me, it’s been a pleasure. In the meantime check them out on Facebook and other social media : https://www.facebook.com/JerusalemStreetOrchestra/
