Hugh Wolff - American Conductor
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Overview
Newton, MASSACHUSETTSHugh Wolff is an American conductor with a global perspective. Born in Paris, he is Harvard-educated, spent almost a decade at the helm of a German orchestra, and lived in London for several years.
Description
We artists tend to be gloomy, as if the world were coming to an end. But I find that a lot of the dramatic changes in the world today are pretty interesting. They offer opportunities.
The prototypical classical music audience member is middle-aged and in the mid- to upper-income bracket. That is the bedrock audience, one that we would be foolish to ignore. But there are so many others out there, and we would be equally foolish not to try to attract them.
The way music is transferred from person to person now is extraordinary. Classical musicians should join in the fun. Young pop groups have become enormously successful simply by word of mouth –- friends saying, “Download this song” or “Watch this video on youtube.” These groups may not achieve instant success, but this sort of communication was simply not previously possible. Before, to be heard at all, you needed the backing of a big, corporate record company or high-powered agent. Now, you don’t, and that means the creative -- as opposed to the public-relations -- quotient can be higher. That can be nothing but positive.
