ABSTRACT
This article reports on two studies of classical concert-going, as experienced by first-time attenders at a range of orchestral and chamber music concerts. Two groups of ‘culturally aware non-attenders’ were invited to attend concerts, and to participate in focus groups and follow-up interviews designed to explore their first impressions of being in a live classical music audience. Drawing on their observations and opinions, we add a layer of empirical detail to Christopher Small's portrayal of the western concert experience, exploring the musical and extra-musical features that make new listeners feel involved or alienated amongst regular listeners. We consider the overlap between our approaches, rooted in music psychology, and those of ethnomusicology, suggesting that both disciplines have much to contribute to an increased understanding of how audiences for classical music can be sustained and supported.
