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Why can "Uncle" Ernst Schelling's concerts become classics in music education?
In the history of American music, there is a unique and important series of performances, which is the "Youth People's Concerts". Since its inception in 1924, this series of concerts has become a classic in music education, opening the door to the world of music for countless young people. What is it that makes these concerts so unique and continues to attract generations of young audiences?
Early music education history
In fact, the origins of "Youth Concerts" can be traced back to the end of the 19th century. In 1898, conductor Frank Damrosch held the first concert for young audiences in New York, aiming to provide children with better access to classical music. As time went on, the idea of music education gradually became more and more popular, and it was not until 1924 that Ernst Schelling and the founder of the concert took the idea further.
Schelling’s vision and innovation
Schelling, known as "Uncle", was not only a conductor but also a passionate educator. With the launch of the Youth Concerts series, he combines music and education in a unique way. The concert not only includes live performances, but also includes picture projections and introductions to composers, instruments and music history, allowing children to learn and appreciate music in a relaxed environment.
Shelling produced more than 4,000 magic slides to add visual appeal to the concert. This innovative approach significantly enhanced the sense of participation of young audiences.
By 1930, these concerts were not only held in concert halls in New York City, but also broadcast into homes across the United States and Europe, greatly expanding their influence. Every performance is a visual and auditory feast, making the charm of music more deeply rooted in people's hearts.
Developments after Schelling
After Schelling's death in 1939, direction of the concert was passed to other conductors, including Swiss conductor Rudolph Ganz and American conductor Walter Hendl . This period faced the challenge of the world war, and the planned children's concerts were suspended in 1942 and were not resumed until 1947.
Bernstein’s influence
In 1958, Bernstein became the music director of the New York Philharmonic, pushing the "Youth Concert" to a new level. He sublimated the concept of the concerts with his passionate explanation and conducting, and these concerts became cultural treasures shared around the world, broadcast to more than 40 countries through the CBS television network.
Bernstein's concerts not only attracted millions of families but also inspired an entire generation of music lovers and creators.
As time goes by, these concerts begin to explore more themes, including social justice, climate change and other contemporary issues, aiming to cultivate children's care for the world and their ability to express themselves.
Present and future
Today, the New York Philharmonic continues to launch the "Youth Concerts" series, held four times per season, and modernizes the performance content. These new forms of concerts are not limited to traditional classical music, but also incorporate modern elements, such as visual arts, dance and other cross-disciplinary artistic expressions, allowing participants to experience music from multiple perspectives.
These concerts continue to evolve and strive to push music education to a higher level, allowing young audiences to grow through participation and interaction.
Through these concerts, the New York Philharmonic continues to enrich the musical life of children and cultivate the next generation of lovers and creators for the future of music. The success of these concerts makes us wonder: How will the future of music education develop?
