Classic Express Research project by Ilona Sie Dhian Ho

In a combined qualitative and quantitative research the influence of storytelling in concerts for children is analyzed. In a controlled setting, The Classic Express (mobile concert hall), groups of schoolchildren attend either a concert with or a concert without storytelling. The groups, similar in socio- economic background and age, are compared. In a quantitative research the involved listening, the felt emotional intensity, the interest in classical music and the interest in actively playing an instrument, will be measured. For quantification new grading systems are developed by scientists and musicians in a collaborative process. In a qualitative research on the influence of storytelling the focus is on children with severe learning disorders. The emotional responses of these children in concerts with and without storyelling, and in combination with participatory elements (moving, gestures) are observed by teachers and caretakers, They compare their observations in the concert to the normal behaviour of their pupils. Both Interviews with the teachers and their grading of arousal, attention and emotional levels in the concert will provide data that will be analyzed by the reserachers. This research is the first study of The Classic Expression Research Group, a group of researchers from the Royal Conservatoire and Leiden University, collaborating to provide new insights on the impact of presentation techniques in classical concerts.

CV Laura Vilela García

After studying her bachelor in classical violin at Conservatorio Superior de Música de Tenerife at Santa Cruz de Tenerife where she was born, she moved to The Netherlands four years ago in her desire to further improve as a violinist. After studying master at the Prince Claus Conservatory with Prof. Ilona Sie Dhian Ho, she decided to keep studying and expanding her knowledge in this country with the same teacher, this time at the The Hague Royal Conservatory.

Currently, she is leading the project “8 Classics for Children”. This project is integrated by a classical string octet that would like to offer classical music concerts to children in a way that it is as appealing as possible to them. For this purpose, storytelling will be included in the performances with the aim of guiding the children throughout the concert.

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