A solution for the inaccessibility of classical music: Student Matinee Concerts at the NAC

The importance of music in our lives has developed over the years, changing from a luxury enjoyed only by the rich to an important part of media. As time has rolled on and as musical developments have become more heavily electronic, it is no longer common practice for people to go out and experience live music. In this case, I’d like to talk about live orchestral music. It has become partially inaccessible, due to its rarity and growing price. However, hundreds of students are able to see live classical music performances every year through the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s free open rehearsals.

These free performances are as described: they are just another rehearsal for the National Arts Centre Orchestra, usually during the morning before a big concert or performance. They aren’t too formal; the musicians are all in their jeans and t-shirts, and the ensemble commonly takes pauses to fix problems they may face in the music they are playing. However, the music the audience does hear is wonderful, even with all the breaks (especially with the new orchestra shell that was installed in Southam Hall this past summer during the NAC’s multi-million dollar renovation).

NAC orchestra tickets, on average, cost about $75.00. A free performance for students is extremely appreciated. The affordability of these events and their cultural education of the youth in Ottawa makes great impact.

Classes from the Bell Music Department attended an open rehearsal on Oct. 10th, where they were able to listen to Berg’s 1935 masterpiece of a violin concerto, featuring world-famous German violinist Christian Tetzlaff as the solo violinist and guest conductor John Storgards. This experience was a first for many in the realm of live classical music, especially at the professional level.

The National Arts Centre runs these open rehearsals, which they call Student Matinee Concerts, many times during the year, to make classical music as accessible to as many people as possible. With this available, hopefully the younger generation will be able to begin to think of classical music differently and appreciate its impact on modern culture.