CONFERENCE PRESENTATION - 1:1 CONCERTS: Simple musical encounters build strong communities

This talk will introduce the simplest yet powerful 1:1 CONCERTS format which was founded at a small German chamber music festival in 2019. While most of cultural life had vanished behind digital screens, 1:1 CONCERTS were one of the very few authentic concert experiences flourishing during pandemic times. A 1:1 CONCERT features a 10 min. non-verbal encounter between 1 listener and 1 musician, accompanied by a host. Whether the concert attendees hear a saxophone, a kora or a baroque flute, will come as a surprise. Also, the music is chosen on the spot. The format even explores extraordinary venues such as an art gallery, an empty factory hall or an allotment garden. With more than 7000 concerts around the world, over 2000 1:1 family members of artists, hosts and organisers managed to create an unexpected movement of musical power, a growing community and warm-hearted charity. With the listeners donations, different solidarity projects and freelance musicians are supported. German initiator and artistic director Franziska Ritter and Australian 1:1 ambassador and flutist Sally Walker will share insights and discuss the process of community building within this very special movement.