Scan Magazine | Culture Profile | Koncerthuset
hanced our reputation internationally,” says Bohr. Søren Schauser agrees: “de Burgos moved them into the elite, which means they can attract top conductors,” he says, alluding to names like Vladimir Ashkenazy and New York Metropolitan Opera’s Fabio Luisi, who are among the superstar maestros sharing baton duties for upcoming concerts. The aural version of slow food Kim Bohr is especially proud of attracting younger audiences, not least because the likes of Beethoven, Carl Nielsen and Sibelius remain mainstays on the repertoire. Classical music, he says, has become the aural version of slow food – a welcome antidote to a fast-paced life of career-making, smart phones and constant multi-tasking. “They want to stand still for a while and absorb art. Sink into their seat for an hour and let the euphony flow over them. It is about immersion and opening yourself to the music. This space allows you to reflect and understand yourself better.” Classical music for everyone Not only has the audience become younger – it is also more diverse as DR
Koncerthuset’s effort to make classical music for everyone bears fruit. The challenge is to dispel the myth that listening to classical music requires savviness. As Kim Bohr puts it, “music is not academia, it is feelings.” Still, he says, classical music can be enjoyed even further with extra layers, although it is not a necessity. “We offer introductions by conductors and soloists to consecrate the audience into the art of performing in a symphony orchestra. We must be open to attract new audiences and give them a good experience.”
Again, the very existence of DR Koncerthuset is at the core of the positive development. For the musicians, it forces them to perform at the peak of their ability. For the audience, the edifice itself is part of the attraction. “This venue has become a national treasure,” says Schauser. “Pop concerts and other events contribute to the accessibility but, contrary to many other concert halls, DR Koncerthuset is not considered too high-end or esoteric. People from all generations and walks of life come here, and the average age going down seven years is astounding. You do not see this anywhere else.”
CONCERTS AT A GLANCE
TOP ORCHESTRA, TOP VENUE
4-5 September 2014: Mahler & Beethoven,
The Danish National Symphony Orchestra
DR Koncerthuset, conducted by Fabio Luisi
was established in 1925 under the motto,
25-26 September 2014: Petrenko, Romeo & Juliet, DR Koncerthuset, conducted by Vasily Petrenko
23 and 25 October 2014: Znaider & Nielsen’s Violin Concert, DR Koncerthuset, conducted by Osmo Vänskä
“The best, only the best,” and is known today as Denmark’s national symphony orchestra with 99 sublime orchestral musicians. In 2012, renowned British music magazine Gramophone named DR Koncerthuset among the world’s 10 best concert halls.
11 February 2015: Nielsen & Sibelius, Carnegie Hall, New York
29-30 May 2015: Mahler’s 3rd, DR Koncerthuset, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy
Get the full programme and ticket information at: www.dr.dk/drso
Issue 68 | September 2014 | 29