The NEW TIME CLASSICS concept is about putting forward a new way of performing major classical works, letting performers take greater liberties in exercising their creative flair and integrating elements of improvisation and previously composed parts.
Improvisation becomes a key feature, helping to inject a livelier, more spontaneous feel into performance. It brings a sense of immediacy to the music and makes each public performance unique. When using previously composed material, elements are drawn from other styles of contemporary music: jazz contemporary music, traditional music, songs and electronic music, letting performers take on the role of co-creator (as in jazz). And in the end, presenting us with classical pieces we know and love so dearly, bathed in a new light, in all-new unique versions!
No, it’s not a sacrilege! I am of the conviction that all is possible provided that all actions are inspired by Love and Respect!
For my part, mixing the two approaches of classical and jazz is perfectly natural. I started listening to classical music even before my birth, it’s like a second mother to me. I discovered jazz as a teenager. It was like a breath of liberty from the strictures of classical learning: like a second father to me. Ask a child to choose between his mother and his father; he simply cannot make up his mind!
I played both classical music and jazz for a long time, separately, before starting to mix the two up. Nowadays, charting a course between the tow has become the most natural way for me to express myself. I’m so happy when my two parents are together!
Suppose a new era were to dawn in classical music?! At any rate for me it’s a resounding YES!