The sustainability of cultural journalism and the future of classical music

Funding and sustainability of cultural journalism is a major concern in the current context. In Hungary, Zsoldos David observes a lack of financial support from the state: “Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no open calls or grants for the creation of cultural content – classical music, theater or others.”

In the absence of public funding, classical music journalism has to explore alternatives: “I believe that, just like cultural content, cultural journalism has to find a way to sustain itself. And if the state doesn’t support you, then maybe you should turn to the readers. Or maybe find a sponsor or another way.”

Referring to the classical music audience, Zsoldos offers an optimistic outlook: “I couldn’t say that our readers are smarter, but they are more educated… They are probably also older than other newspaper readers. But this is not surprising.” He emphasizes that although traditional audiences are more mature, classical music has the ability to appeal to new generations: “Classical music has survived for 300-400 years, I have no fear that it will disappear any time soon.”

To secure the future of classical music and cultural journalism, it is essential to find sustainable funding models adapted to the new technological realities, without losing sight of the essence and artistic value of this musical genre.

“The genius of Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven and Chopin lends itself to adaptation. We should not be afraid to find new ways to distribute and disseminate their music,” concluded Zsoldos David.

Akordaj – Spotlight on Music is a conference organized by Classical ME, JM Hungary and Scena Muzicală, which brought together classical music journalism professionals from Hungary and Romania in Timisoara with the aim of training the next generation of classical music journalists. The conference was co-financed by the Erasmus+ program.

Read the full interview here: http://akordaj.ro/interviu-care-e-viitorul-muzicii-clasice-si-a-jurnalismului-de-muzica-clasica/