Spectator’s guide

Playing an instrument or singing, listening to a recording or attending a concert… Classical music is experienced in many ways, each one unique with its own emotions. A child’s relationship with this art — so rich in history, and yet so contemporary — is built through the complementarity of these experiences. When a child enters a concert hall, they sense that they are living a special moment, away from everyday life. This first time can nonetheless be intimidating. Through this illustrated guide, we wanted to accompany them before, during and after the concert. We reveal the conventions and rituals that may surprise or puzzle, to help them “decode” this first experience. What we cannot describe here is all the power and immediacy of this experience in a child’s imagination. We leave them free to express it in their own words, whether spontaneously in the moment or with hindsight, in class or at home. Our relationship to music and to the concert needs as much guidance as our listening does. The support of teachers and parents is also essential in shaping the audiences of tomorrow.