Live music turns to crowdfunding
through the noise has developed the first crowdfunding platform specifically for live classical events. The platform will be trialled with a new grass-roots classical performance series: noisenights.
The first noisenights this summer feature members of Chineke! orchestra, BBC Young Musician winner Laura van der Heijden, and violinist Max Baillie.
The through the noise platform presents a new method for funding classical concerts after the pandemic. Members of the public are invited to become ‘backers’ in return for tickets to their chosen event, and priority booking for future events. Each event is confirmed when it achieves sufficient backing, ensuring that only concerts that are popular with audiences go ahead.
Inspired by London’s great jazz venues, noisenights are a new format for classical concerts. They feature two identical 45-60 minute classical sets: an early evening rush-hour performance; and a late show which is followed by live jazz, funk and afrobeat acts, accompanied by a late-licensed bar. Tickets to the late set include access for the rest of the night.
The first two noisenights are planned for after the end of restrictions, one on the 9th of July and another on the 28th of August, both at Underbelly Hoxton. noisenight one features cellist Laura van der Heijden and violinist Max Baillie performing Kodaly’s duo alongside Bach, Bartok and their own arrangements of folk music.
noisenight two features the Chineke! Duo (Sarah Daramy-Williams and Natalia Senior-Brown) performing pieces by Errollyn Wallen and Joseph Bologne, as well as Schubert, Mozart and Martinů.
through the noise Co-founder and Artistic Director Jack Bazalgette said of the project:
“We believe this new model for live classical music offers a positive and viable view into the future of our industry. By putting our audiences at the heart of what we do, with power over which concerts they want to see, we hope to be part of building back live music to be more resilient and relevant than ever.”
Chineke! Foundation Founder and Artistic & Executive Director Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE added:
"We're delighted that Sarah and Natalia will be performing as the Chineke! Duo at noisenights. The pieces by Black and ethnically diverse composers in the programme are real gems that deserve greater attention and appreciation by a wider audience. It promises to be a wonderful musical moment at the height of the summer season!"
Tickets to both events are available now, by backing the relevant noisenight here.
