[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO | This series, introduced in our classikON What’s ON (subscribe here), shares our Ambassadors thoughts at this time. They are voices of the audience, with a range of knowledge and history with music, for some music is their life and others it is an escape from their life.
Pepe writes…
What I’ve been up to… well that photo up there is me singing in a virtual choir – an experience I’ll no doubt share in time… but hmmm, let’s see… How about changing my title from ‘Ambassador’ and ‘Accounts’ at classikON to ‘Managing Director’ literally overnight?
How about becoming the proud new owner of a small business who is dedicated to supporting and promoting independent and classical music (that’s classikON by the way) at a time when there is zero income and live music is having to reinvent itself?
I must concede that it’s more than a little daunting to be stepping into what really is an unknown future with classikON. It’s a future where, for now at least, live music, the lifeblood of our organisation, and frankly many of our lives, is sadly severely restricted (and may be for some time longer given the evolving situation in Melbourne and Sydney since early July, 2020). For all of you who are struggling, my heart goes out to you.
The last few months have been incredibly tough for the music industry that’s for sure, but I know that classikON will have an important role to play in the re-emergence of independent classical music in Australia over the coming months.
Founder, Kate Tribe, started classikON with an admirable vision of bringing to the spotlight the music and musicians that are taking artistic risks in Australia, and I intend to realise, and expand upon, that vision.
But… I am super aware that I won’t be able to do that without her support (thanks in advance Kate!), and without people like our dedicated team of Ambassadors and volunteers who write about and help promote the music making that is still happening in spite of these challenging times.
[Insert volunteer call out here] That’s not a typo, we’re always on the lookout for people willing to donate time, skills, ideas and energy, so if supporting musicians in a time of real need sounds like the sort of cause you’d rise to, then come on and sign up.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
… there’s more info about classikON Ambassadors here
As for my personal connections to classikON I joined the team in 2015 and have worked with Kate both in a paid and volunteer capacity since then. I am a business consultant by trade and in my spare time I am an avid choral singer – who is patiently yet desperately waiting to be allowed to gather again with like-minded choristers without fear of being ostracised or unwittingly spreading nasty germs (it’s a very sad time for singers believe me).
However, I remain optimistic – about being able to sing in groups again – AND about classikON’s future. I intend to utilise the coming weeks (I so hope it’s not months) of relative calm to regroup and re-energise so we’re in a great position to support musicians when they return to the stage as soon as they are able. I can also see many opportunities right now to celebrate the innovative ideas in the industry and get the word out about online and streamed music events.
I’m keen to canvas ideas from you (our audience and musicians who use our website) please feel free to make contact by email at li****@*******on.com and share your thoughts.
I truly hope to see you at a live sold out concert venue in the very near future, until then, stay safe and stay tuned! We’re here for you…
Don’t forget to sign up to the classikON newsletter so we can keep in touch… here
Pepe[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
