Elevate the Concert Experience
Cadenza Concerts reimagines the concert-going experience.
The concert experience can begin well before the first note. More than a pre-concert lecture (but not a replacement), our symposium sessions are a gateway into the world behind the music — the people, the ideas, the culture, and the humanity that shaped it. Blending rich storytelling, deep discussion, and the energy of a live group dialog, we help audiences connect to the music with a new understanding, and new ears.
For the Orchestra
Cadenza Concerts isn’t just about enriching the audience’s experience. It’s a powerful tool for orchestras and arts organizations to build loyalty, deepen engagement, and cultivate future supporters.
Strengthening Patron Loyalty – When audiences feel more connected to the music, and each other, they feel more connected to the orchestra. Deeper engagement leads to repeat attendance, stronger relationships, and a sense of belonging.
Cultivating Donors and Advocates – Many of the most engaged listeners are also the most passionate supporters. By offering a richer intellectual and emotional experience, Cadenza Concerts nurtures future donors, sponsors, and board members.
Enhancing the Orchestra’s Reputation – Establish your organization as more than just a presenter of concerts. Cadenza Concerts positions your orchestra as a cultural and intellectual leader, offering audiences something truly distinctive.
Bridging Education and Patron Engagement – Cadenza Concerts fills the gap between educational outreach and high-level donor cultivation. It gives intellectually curious patrons a deeper way to engage with music beyond the performance itself.
Unlocking New Revenue Potential – These symposium-style gatherings can be offered as exclusive ticketed events or membership perks, creating an additional revenue stream while elevating the patron experience.
By offering more than just performances, orchestras build a deeper, more lasting connection with their audiences - one that extends far beyond the concert hall.
For the Concertgoer
Music is one of the most powerful lenses through which we can understand humanity—its struggles, triumphs, and deeper truths. By exploring the historical, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of a piece, we don’t just learn about the music. We experience it more fully. Cadenza Concerts invites audiences into that journey, offering a richer and more immersive way to engage with the music they love.
A Deeper Connection to the Music – Go beyond names and dates to uncover the history, context, and ideas that shaped the music. Explore not just what a piece sounds like, but why it was written, what it meant in its time, and what it can mean to us today.
A More Meaningful Concert Experience – Walk into the hall with greater emotional and intellectual insight. Understanding the deeper context of a piece makes the live performance even more powerful and moving.
A Community of Engaged Listeners – Join a circle of fellow music lovers who share a passion for learning and discovery. Thought-provoking discussions are at the heart of each session, creating a space where audiences can exchange ideas and uncover new perspectives together.
Curated Materials and Guided Listening – Gain access to carefully selected readings, recordings, and insights that enhance understanding and appreciation. These resources help extend the conversation beyond the session, deepening engagement with the music long after the concert ends.
Special Guests and Meaningful Dialogue – When possible, sessions may include conductors, musicians, or composers, not as lecturers but as participants in the conversation. Instead of a formal presentation, you'll have the rare opportunity to engage in an open, insightful exchange with the very artists shaping the performance.
Cadenza Concerts isn’t just about learning facts. It’s about transforming the way we hear and feel music.
How It Works
A Cadenza experience can be shaped to fit seamlessly within your organization’s existing programs, ensuring it aligns with your culture, audience, and goals. While each event is tailored, the typical elements of a Cadenza Concert experience include:
Duration – We recommend either a half-day experience (4–5 hours, two 75-minute discussion blocks) or a full-day experience (8 hours, four 75-minute discussion blocks, plus a group meal).
Timing – Cadenza Concerts are most effective when held on the day of the concert or the day before, ensuring that the discussion is fresh and directly enhances the concert experience.
Location – These gatherings typically take place in a casual setting within or near the concert hall. We aim for an atmosphere that feels more like a salon than a boardroom, encouraging open dialogue and a relaxed, intimate exchange of ideas.
Group Size – To foster meaningful participation and engagement, the ideal group size is 10–15 people. This allows for a dynamic yet intimate discussion where every participant has the opportunity to contribute.
Scheduling – To ensure adequate preparation, promotion, and attendance, Cadenza Concerts should be scheduled at least six weeks in advance of the concert date. This allows time for audience outreach, preparation of materials, and coordination with special guests when applicable.
Costs – Pricing is flexible based on format, scale, and collaboration. A half-day session typically ranges from $250–$500 per person, while a full-day session ranges from $500–$1,000 per person. Outside of a modest fee to Cadenza, you set a comfortable price, and all proceeds are yours.
Reading & Prep Materials – Cadenza will prepare and provide all reading materials well in advance, available in digital and physical formats as needed for easy distribution to participants.
Meals & Breaks – Community-building is central to the Cadenza experience. Our discussions are deep, so we ensure ample time for breaks and informal moments that allow participants to reflect, relax, and recharge. When possible, shared meals provide an opportunity for continued conversation and connection.
Beyond these core elements, we work closely with each organization to create an impactful experience that enhances audience engagement and elevates the concert-going journey.