Introducing Classical Music

One of the aims of these entries is to show people what goes on behind the scenes in the day to day life of a musician. However, I also want to stimulate discussion about music in general, and hope to introduce people to the area of classical music in which they might previously have felt intimidated.
The term classical music seems to alienate huge sections of the community as they think they don't understand it and the whole scene is too 'precious' and esoteric.
We need to remember that whilst we now regard Mozart as 'classical', he was in his day, particularly with regards to his operas, a composer of popular music.
In my experience the greatest challenge we have today is actually getting people to attend concerts. There are currently an unprecedented number of distractions which vie for their attentions. This applies particularly to the younger generation.
Once you do get an audience to attend it is essential to have given the programme a great deal of thought in order to provide the best possible experience for that particular audience.
The music, when played well, can cross all generation gaps and leave the public feeling uplifted and positive. The promoters of a recent concert in Hebden Bridge commented on the ability of Robin to reach out to all ages amongst the audience. The feedback a few days later from one member of the public was, 'the best concert I have ever been to,' and from her 12 year old daughter, who is learning the guitar, 'he taught me to play from the heart'.
So I hope that over time I can gradually introduce more and more people of all ages to classical music in general.