How can a classical symphony orchestra renew its brand and attract new audiences without compromising its artistic core? That was the challenge Aarhus Symphony Orchestra set out to solve in collaboration with Winelab Academy.
Together, we developed an interdisciplinary concept where wine and music blended into a sensory experience designed to engage, surprise, and expand the audience base. With violist Christine Hagge Larsen from Aarhus Symphony Orchestra and our own Mads Jordansen as guides, we crafted an evening where French musical masterpieces — including works by Debussy and Ravel — were paired with carefully selected French wines, all set in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The Result: A New Format, New Stories, New Audiences
The event attracted not only the orchestra’s traditional concertgoers but also wine enthusiasts, bon vivants, and culture seekers who might never have attended a symphonic performance before. For Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, it became a tangible way to work with audience development, challenge established formats, and strengthen the relevance of its brand.