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Paul S. Johnson's avatar

I have played in a community orchestra in Minnesota for the last 8 years and our string sections have been growing lately. I thought it was because of our excellent conductor and that we like to party after rehearsals and concerts! But now I learn that maybe it’s just part of a larger trend.

Demographically, classical audiences have equal representation across age groups - the same trend as public radio and television. I’m in my 60s and it’s great to have the interaction with the musicians who are in their 20s and 30s.

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Claudine Notacat's avatar

Which orchestra? I used to play viola in Mississippi Valley Orchestra, but now I’m in a smaller city out west with no volunteer orchestras.

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Paul S. Johnson's avatar

That’s the one!

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Claudine Notacat's avatar

I moved out west 8 years ago. I miss MVO a lot. Played in it from about 2000-2014.

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Paul S. Johnson's avatar

I’ve played off and on since college, so we may have intersected. It has a wonderful community mojo about it. Our current conductor cannot quite quit us and flies in every week to rehearse. There is something in the water.

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KW NORTON's avatar

Thanks for the comment. It is about the search for authenticity, But Real. Trust the people.

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