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Who
[/fivecol_one] [fivecol_four_last]You are cordially invited to host a gathering of your friends (and friends of friends!) at your house to enjoy an intimate classical music concert![/fivecol_four_last]
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What
[/fivecol_one] [fivecol_four_last]Concert will be either a solo musician or small ensemble performing for about 45+/- minutes. Cocktails and dinner, or brunch and coffee, or BBQ and beer will be served![/fivecol_four_last]
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When Where
[/fivecol_one] [fivecol_four_last]Party and concert is at your house at a time of day when everyone will be in the mood to enjoy and neighbors might not be disturbed.[/fivecol_four_last]
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Why
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This is a chance to hear a fine musician(s), enjoy some really amazing food, and mingle with interesting and fun people! Or to raise funds for a new commission project and/or announce a CD.
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I love a good party! And I’ve found a house party concert is one of the most successful parties one can throw. The benefits are more than just the good time had by all, benefits include:
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- Introducing a new ensemble before they record a CD
- Bringing awareness to local talent or out of town super star
- Introducing non-classical music fans to the art in an approachable and friendly manner, etc.
- Offering a different and creative way to support and grow the arts
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BUT!!! Before you go inviting people, coming up with menus, and contacting a musician or group, there are some considerations you may want to think about.
First, if you have a friend who is a professional musician, symphony performer, soloist, etc., unless the musician has offered to play gratis, do not assume they will simply play for that awesome food you’ve planned. Ask what fee might be acceptable. Of course you are a music lover and you want to introduce fine music to your friends, but just make sure no feelings are hurt and nobody feels forced or obligated to perform.
Second, if you are a classical musician or ensemble trying to raise funds, be specific on the invitation that this house concert party will also be a fund raiser. Invite people to be a part of the exciting process of creating art by letting them know up front that donations would be appreciated and necessary to get the project off the ground. Hitting up guests after a performance is tacky and you risk alienating a potential audience.
Brochures for the new CD or commission should be available to better explain where the donations are going. It’s important to remember that while it is a fund raising concert, it’s a party; people want to help out, but they also want to have a great time and feel welcome. Thank guests for donations and try to keep conversations moving in a two way direction. Your music will speak volumes so there is no need to add lengthy lectures, preaching, or persuading beyond the performance. Ask guests why they think music is important, what they liked best about the performance, etc.
Third, this is a party first and foremost, but a very specific kind of party. Make sure when the music starts people know they are to listen, with cell phones off, and trips to the buffet stopped. If you wanted background music you would have had your CD player going!
My general rule of thumb for these kinds of parties is to let people mingle first. It is especially important and polite to introduce the performing musicians into conversations to make everyone comfortable and welcome. Be sure to have the appetizers and wine or cocktails flowing. After all have arrived and have been comfortably introduced and conversations are in full swing, start thinking about inviting people to take seats to enjoy the performance.
After the performance, invite everyone to mingle again before the big dinner or brunch is served. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the people in an arts group, new music, whatever, just as long as it’s a two way conversation. As long as I’ve been in this field, I’m always amused that non musicians take such an interest in what I do for a living. And for me, it is equally fascinating to hear how non musicians enjoy concerts, how they came to find classical music, and what they do for a living!
Hosting a house party concert is one of the most rewarding things music lovers can do. Combining good food, good friends, and great music creates an atmosphere that will bring joy and good memories for many years. Even more important, your stealthy mission to perpetuate an art form will have lasting effects.
R.S.V.P!