Books about the Alternative Classical Scene
Here are some recommendations for books that have been written in the last decade about the alternative classical scene in the UK and around the world, and discussing innovation within the classical music industry in more detail. We would be very interested to hear your recommendations too: get in touch via email or on social media @alterclassical. To find a concert in a non-traditional venue near you in the UK, read our events guide or sign up for the newsletter.
Any books bought using the links below may earn us a small amount of commission, so thank you for your support!
Thom Andrewes and Dimitri Djuric (2015) 🇬🇧
This book documents the rise of the alternative classical music scene in London over the last 10 years, featuring photographs, interviews and essays. It presents the new music movement in which a new generation of composers and musicians are producing classical concerts in non-traditional venues, including warehouses, pubs, car parks and night clubs. Over 30 musicians, composers and promoters are interviewed, giving a sense of the breadth and complexity of ideas, motivations and influences behind this musical moment. The social, cultural and aesthetic implications of the scene are investigated by commentary and short essays.
Johan Idema (2012) 🌍
This is a call to rethink live classical music by Dutch cultural innovator Johan Idema, who presents a unique selection of more than 40 cases from international pioneers - composers, performers, directors and presenters - who are reinvigorating the classical concert. Through this, Idema argues, we can make live classical music more exciting, relevant and approachable, which is needed more than ever as arts budgets are cut. Present! is a testimony to the idea that brilliantly performed classical music and rapt audiences are possible, often even more so, outside of conventional forums and formats.
Christopher Dromey & Julia Haferkorn (2018) 🇬🇧
Julia Haferkorn, Senior Lecturer in Music Business and Arts Management at Middlesex University, has written a chapter entitled ‘Dancing to another tune: classical music in nightclubs and other non-traditional settings’ included in The Classical Music Industry book. Before lecturing, Haferkorn managed and worked with a whole host of ‘alternative’ artists including Matthew Herbert, Icebreaker, Apartment House and the Arditti Quartet.
Sarah Robinson (2014) 🇺🇸
A DIY guide to working in alternative venues by flautist, author and speaker Sarah Robinson, based on her PhD research at the University of Southern California. The book details how to choose a space and how to design, market and fund an extraordinary show. Included are examples of musicians who have launched and advanced their careers through their work in alternative venues. Foreword by Greg Sandow.
Hannah Fiddy is a creative entrepreneur, developing new audiences for classical music. She has created and promoted numerous concerts outside of traditional spaces, including warehouses, pubs, clubs, museums, hospitals, prisons and even in Primark. Hannah is also an interviewer, writer and guest lecturer, and runs the Avon Chamber Choir in Bristol. In a past life she founded London Flashmob, producing quirky events from wedding proposals to cultural pranks for up to 1,000 people.
Follow Hannah on Twitter @Hannah_Fiddy.