I first met the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society (BDDS) folks at the beginning of this year. They were trying to reach a younger audience so we hosted an event in our space where Madison's Area Growth Network (MAGNET) members could meet the BDDS musicians. The event was wildly successful, thanks to all the 100+ people we had crammed into our office space that evening.
As a result of this party and our relationship with BDDS, I was invited to a rehearsal that only 50-60 people are invited to at Edenfred in the highlands in Madison. First I've never been to a chamber music performance, but my partner LOVES chamber music and in my 13 years in Madison I never stumbled upon these "highlands". So I was curious and we went. I met a few new people, saw some familiar faces, had a complimentary glass of
wine while David Wells, the Executive Director, provided a tour of Edenfred and background information about their fellowship program. I met the musicians and other resident fellows, toured the amazing gardens and then lounged on the porch and watched a dry, but black sky churn as BDDS entertained. Stephanie and Jeffrey provided history, context, and reasons for the selections and background on the pieces they played. They were witty, charming, and playful throughout the performance. The musicians stopped when they made mistakes, yet most of the audience didn't know a mistake had been made. They even had the audience participate by adding layers of sounds and took questions throughout the performance.
The entire 90 minutes I was there I felt transported to another time and I appreciated the performance and opportunity to learn more about chamber music and Edenfred.
One of the most often asked questions of our recommendations is, "what do we mean by behind the scenes or back stage tours?" This example is exactly what we mean. I myself wouldn't go to a "traditional" performing arts space to hear chamber music, but I might go see BDDS again wherever they are performing due to the connection I had with them at Edenfred. What I liked even more about the event was that it was invite only. You couldn't find out about it on a web portal or an event listing. It wasn't open to the general public. I can't even tell my friends they should check out BDDS at Edenfred, but I can tell my friends to check out BDDS. And I have. They won over a new fan and I'm now a strong promoter.
Don't miss the Next Audiences Summit for more ideas on engaging younger patrons!
Comments
Marti, one of the things I noticed about the BDDS musicians is that they are CONVERSATIONAL with their guests. They don’t talk AT their audience; they talk WITH them. I wish more performing artists would - and could - take this accessible, friendly approach to their audiences.
