Holly Mulcahy, Concertmaster of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera

A Musical Life with Hugh Sung

What do you wear to a symphony concert? When do you clap? And why is the timpani player smelling his drums? If you’ve never been to a classical music concert, it can be a bit intimidating the very first time you go to one. There seems to be a whole world of etiquette and protocol that can make the experience seem - well, aloof and elitist, at least in some people’s eyes. Orchestras and arts administrators are keenly aware of how important it is to make classical music more accessible to grow future audiences, and in some cases are trying to think of ways to do away with some of the traditional conventions. But for Violinist Holly Mulcahy, the "Queen of Classical Music Culture", these rituals and rules of etiquette are part of what makes the classical music concert so special, and a deeper understanding of them can serve to enhance one’s experience in a concert hall, making it much more memorable and enjoyable. Holly maintains a busy schedule as concertmaster of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and as a soloist and chamber musician. She is also the author of Neo Classical, a blog that discusses the future of classical music, and helps to demystify the culture of classical music in a warm, witty, and welcoming way.

Links

Holly Mulcahy's website: http://www.hollymulcahy.com/

Holly's blog Neo Classical: http://www.insidethearts.com/neoclassical/

Bowing for Mahlers; decisions on bowing directions: http://www.insidethearts.com/neoclassical/2015/09/bowing-for-mahlers/

The Higdon Cocktail: http://www.insidethearts.com/neoclassical/2015/02/concerto-in-cocktail-form/

Holly's article on happiness as a musician: http://www.insidethearts.com/neoclassical/2014/02/happiness-quantified-humanist-qualified/

Blog article on Holly's upcoming performance at the Walker State Faith and Character Based Prison in Georgia: http://www.insidethearts.com/neoclassical/2016/02/medium-security-maximum-benefit/