Young audiences are often treated as passive listeners rather than active participants in live music culture. This panel explores how artists, promoters, and curators can rethink concert formats to create meaningful experiences for children and young people—where participation, communication, and age awareness are not afterthoughts but central artistic tools.
How do performers adapt their stage presence, language, and storytelling for younger audiences? How can production teams design environments that support curiosity and emotional safety? And how does an understanding of developmental differences shape repertoire, sound levels, and engagement strategies?
Rather than treating youth concerts as simplified versions of "real" concerts, the session argues for recognising them as a distinct artistic field that demands skill, intention, and innovation—and for respecting young audiences as thoughtful cultural participants.
Speakers:
- Noora Herranen, Executive Director of Concert Centre Finland
- Hans Christian Nielsen, Principal of Roskilde Festival Højskole
- Wouter Van Looy, Founder and Artistic Director of Zonzo Compagnie
- Lee Taul, Creative Producer at Estonian Traditional Music Center
Moderator:
- João Luís, Percussionist and Interdisciplinary artist at AZUL
Curated by Music Estonia