They Used to Call It Classical at SXSW

Taking a break from the constant showgoing here in Austin, I was able to get into this afternoon's panel "They Used to Call It Classical" at the convention center, where Alex Ross, LPR's Justin Kantor, Kronos Quartet music director Janet Cowperthwaite, composer Carl Stone, and moderator Ed Ward spoke in front of a 1/2 full room about the classical-pop cross-pollination that's been happening now in earnest for the past four or five years. Alex – who used to cover indie rock/pop back in his younger days – gave some historical perspective, remarking how Satie used to perform in Paris cabarets, and jazz artists constantly collaborated with classical musicians in the 50s.) Janet talked about Kronos' ongoing commissioning project, where many of the composers they now commission are younger than Kronos itself (40).

Most insightful – and useful for the musicians and producers in attendance – were Justin's comments, sharing some straight perspective on what it takes to keep the doors open in a club that features classical music one night, indie pop the next. "Audiences generally mirror the ages of the performers involved," he said. " "Our audiences for the Juilliard Quartet are definitely older than they are for, say, a pianist playing Arvo Part," he said. "But, in general, unless you have a name act on the bill, you're not going to draw." He also cited the importance of social media, talking about a Japanese pianist who was somehow able to draw 300 people for a show of music by Boulez.

(On a personal note, I spent SXSW 2009 mostly hanging out with Ronen and Justin's partner David, who were scouting out talent in advance of the club's opening later that year. I'd like to think they took some of my advice, but doubt it.)

I didn't get to ask any questions myself, but if I had, I would have asked about Dan Deacon, whose setting up as we speak for one of his chaos-crazy shows at Cheer Up Charlie's, and will be at Merkin Hall next week to perform one of his new compositions with the Calder Quartet as part of Judd's Ecstatic Music Festival. (BTW – where was Judd today? Oh right: he's got Rhys Chatham playing with Oneida tomorrow.) I know Dan's one in a million, but if the classical establishment wants to see some "crossover" that Actually works, they should check out his show next week. Or, come down and get silly with us in the sand lot.