Abstract

Why are we so scared of new classical music? As a classical composer and new music scholar, I write (and write about) music that I know creates fear in audiences. But what do we fear: the unknown, the new or simply that we won’t ‘understand’ it? This talk will explore the cultural context of new classical music and show how it is sidelined by musical organisations to such an extent that audiences have developed a fear of the new. With examples drawn from my own research and practice, I will demonstrate how we can all emerge from behind the sofa – or concert hall seats – and engage with this fascinating musical world and help save new music before it’s too late.