The Future of the Classical Concert

What constitutes the concert experience? Why are people motivated to attend concerts? What do they expect and what do they experience there Is there a specific audience or can it be differentiated? How can concert goer and listener types be defined empirically? Are there effects of various concert formats, such as moderated concerts, specific concert design etc. on the audience? And what might the classical concert of the future look alike? And which role might digital and hybrid concert formats play? Do physiological audience responses, or analyses of their synchrony bring forward meaningful insights when it comes to the concert experience?

These are some of the key questions addressed by the interdisciplinary symposium “The Future of the Classical Concert” at lake Constance, Germany.

Scholars from all disciplines as well as concert organizers are invited to address these questions analytically as well as practically. The conference addresses in particular cultural studies scholars, psychologists, musicologists, sociologists, and concert organizers. Empirical and theory-based, current, and historical reflections as well as contributions from artistic practice that address the research questions are welcome. Contributions not specifically related to classical concerts, but performances of other arts or musical genres, are also welcome if the core issues are addressed.

Proposals for individual contributions (approx. 20 minute long talks or posters) should be submitted before July 15th 2023 to info@future-of-the concert.org. They should include:

• Presenter’s full name
• Country of residence and affiliation
• E-mail address
• Presentation title
• A short abstract of maximum 250 words

Apart from individual presentations, posters presentation and their discussions, the conference will also provide time slots for general discussions on central topics. Presentations in German and English are welcome.

Registration for the symposium will open September 15th.

The Symposium will be held on the 29th and 30th November 2023, at Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen, Germany.