The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra wants to attract young people to play classical instruments

In the clip, one of the participants from the music camp talks about why she is impressed by classical music.

One of the world's largest choir and orchestra camps for children and young people, Side by Side by El Sistema, is taking place right now and is one of Gothenburg's anniversary projects. The camp is organized by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, and participants between 6-23 years old join from all over the world. During the days in Gothenburg, they will offer seven concerts, the largest of which takes place in Scandinavium.

"Classical instruments don't equal balla"

There are fewer and fewer young people who choose to devote themselves to classical instruments, and this type of music making faces many challenges. Björn Lovén, Orchestra Director at the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, talks about how he thinks classical instruments are marginalized.

– New influences and new genres come, which we have great respect for, but they outcompete classical instruments that then do not become as balla. Classical music is not what you hear when you go out on the town, so it gets overlooked," says Björn Lovén.

Want to attract influencers, pop bands and youtubers

But the unique cultural heritage is something we must take care of, according to Björn Lovén.

So how can we attract more young people?

– Invite artists who are already famous among young people. So someone from YouTube, some influencer or pop band that you recognize and get them to play together with a classical orchestra, and in that way introduce classical music, says Marjolein Vermeeren, project manager and conductor at the music camp.