In search of renewed relevance for classical music with young audiences
Álvaro Munoz Perera, Master Classical Music graduate, during his final performance
Violinist Álvaro Munoz Perera is graduating from the Master Classical Music at ArtEZ in Zwolle. In the video below, he talks about his mission: recognising that classical music has to search for new ways to appeal to younger audiences. “It's great to be the best violinist, but the environment for classical music has changed. We have to make adjustments and realise that classical music is no longer appealing to younger audiences. We have to take that context into account in order to keep this genre relevant. Now I’m even more aware that we need to stop, think, and adjust what we’re doing.”
Álvaro says that he has been focusing on performative arts and how to apply them in classical music. “I'm trying to combine this high level of playing with another way of presenting this material, this message to the audience. I want the audience to be less passive and more communicative with me. So, I’m forcing them to make decisions in this performance, so that they have to be more involved in it. They have the ability to come close to me and interact with the set. They have the ability to move around. And they can decide whether to follow me as I move around, and if so, when to follow me, because I don't give them instructions.”
He says that in most cases, classical musicians usually tell the audience what to do. And with this type of performance, Álvaro wants the audience to have more chances to make decisions themselves.
With the two-year English-language Master Classical Music (now the Master of Music) in Zwolle, you will learn more than merely how to play an instrument. You will also learn how to communicate with different audiences. You will explore new approaches to music and expand the field with a renewed relevance. You will not take traditional subjects; instead, you will receive a practice-oriented and pragmatic education. You will gain the tools to showcase yourself in a rapidly changing work field and society. After you graduate, you will be entitled to use the academic title Master of Music (MMus).
