Posted by Volker on December 17, 2002 at 04:17:56:
It might be interesting to you guys abroad, what has turned out to be the most successful concert experiment in Germany since about 5 years by now: The so called "Nokia Classic Night of the Prom". The history is, that about 5 years ago, some clever heads tried to copy and slightly modify the popular British Sea Promenade Concerts as a single event. The result and feedback was just breathtaking, so that they have been continueing to go on tour since then. The unique formula is: A mixture of classic and rock + pop on a very high level with well known world class interprets. There is a symphony orchestra along with famous vocal interprets (and groups) singing hits of the 80s, in change with well known classic orch parts, all with a top choreography, illumination "games", non-snobby stuff who encourage the audition to take part in the performance by swinging candle lights, adding certain sound effects and even singing special hit parts. This all leads to a unique atmosphere. Imagine, an audience of many thousands really take part actively, not only as a stiff croud in the darkness!
Even the biggest (monster) halls are sold out many months in advance, and people already recently began to book tickets for the December performances of 2003. How refreshing - in contrast to the extremely serious "normal" classic concerts where one is afraid to clear one's throat.
From my point of view, this is the concept of the future.