Looking for a little #MondayMotivation? We’re pulling out past stories that are still just as relevant today. Here’s a pearl from Jim: What Reinvention Sounds Like. Slate‘s Mark Vanhoenacker has declared classical music “dead” in America. I’m not sure if there are other continents or republics where it’s all the rage, but here in the U.S.A., it’s not just in trouble. It’s deceased, passed on, bereft of life. As John Cleese would say, it’s an “ex-parrot.” This, of course, is an …

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When it comes to attracting new audiences — especially those elusive millennials — a company called Groupmuse has taken a delightfully unexpected approach. They’re basically “Uber, but for millennials who want orchestras in their living rooms,” says Wired magazine. Here’s how it works: Through the Groupmuse website, people can volunteer to host a live classical concert at their house (for free) and Groupmuse will match them up with classical musicians and a roster of guests, who’ll pay about $10 each …

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The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses — a concert event culled from nearly three decades of music and images from Nintendo’s Zelda video game series — is making its way across the U.S. (we’ve listed a few tour stops on Goldstar). The 74-piece orchestra is loved by many, drawing huge crowds. But, as Jess Joho reports for Kill Screen, some orchestras and classical concertgoers are not so happy with this “medium that is almost single-handedly bringing [orchestras] back …

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You hear it everywhere — the grocery store, subway stations, the doctor’s office — smooth jazz or classical music, derisively referred to as “muzak.” You probably just tune it out most of the time, but apparently there’s a very real reason it’s playing, at least in certain places. Some experts believe playing classical music not only creates a soothing ambiance, but also drives away vagrants and vandals. A recent story on WQXR shed some light on the practice, and writes …

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