Revolutionizing Classical Music: The Rise of Symphoninas

A La Jolla native, David Fogel, is on a mission to bring symphonic music to the next generation of listeners. Determined to make classical music more accessible, Fogel has been working tirelessly to produce "symphoninas" – short symphonies that offer a more palatable alternative to longer, traditional pieces.

Bridging the Gap Between Classical and Contemporary Music

Addressing the Generational Divide

Fogel, who was born and raised in La Jolla, has spent most of his life immersed in the world of classical music. As the co-founder and chief executive of the Symphonina Foundation, he has witnessed firsthand the dwindling interest in symphonic performances among younger audiences. "I went to the San Diego Symphony a lot as a child because both my parents were into music," Fogel recalls. "But when I went there as an adult, I realized I was one of the youngest people in the audience."This realization prompted Fogel to question the future of classical music and who would be filling those seats in the years to come. "It's great that any symphony orchestra gets [financial] support, but the question is about who is listening," he says. "And what are they going to be playing?"

Adapting to Modern Listening Habits

Fogel recognized that the traditional format of classical music, with its lengthy symphonies and movements, might not resonate with contemporary audiences. "We're used to songs being three or four minutes long," he explains. "If you aren't into classical music, you aren't going to commit to a 14-minute song." Rather than fight this trend, Fogel decided to embrace it by creating a new musical format – the "symphonina."The symphonina is a short symphony, typically around 10 minutes long, with three or more movements. This format is designed to be more accessible to listeners who are accustomed to the shorter attention spans of modern music. "Rather than fight that, I thought we could make music that is in the pattern," Fogel says. "So the full symphonies are about 10 minutes long, with three or so movements. We can provide it in a format listeners are accustomed to."

Fostering Talent and Collaboration

To bring his vision to life, Fogel started composing short symphonies and collaborating with other composers who shared his passion for the symphonina. This led to the launch of the Best Symphonina of the Year competition, which invites aspiring composers to submit their works. The winner receives a ,000 prize, and the runner-up receives ,000, with their compositions being included on the album.The inaugural competition in 2023 received 60 entries, with Alexander Unseth emerging as the winner and Jordan Jinsoko as the runner-up. Fogel then assembled the International Symphonina Orchestra, a group of more than 30 aspiring and professional musicians from around the world, to perform the winning compositions and other symphoninas for the album "Advent of the Symphonina."

Embracing Technology and Innovation

Fogel's approach to the International Symphonina Orchestra is a testament to his innovative spirit. Rather than requiring the musicians to physically gather in one location, he allows them to record their parts in their own studios and send the recordings to him. Fogel then handles the mixing and post-production, ensuring that the final product sounds as if the orchestra played together.This flexible and technology-driven approach opens up opportunities for younger musicians who might not have the chance to join traditional orchestras. "If you are a 25-year-old clarinet player and want to join an orchestra, you have to wait for an opening," Fogel explains. "It's not easy to get into. Part of what I did was to create an opportunity for younger musicians to participate, so we established the International Symphonina Orchestra."

Seeking Recognition and Inspiring the Next Generation

Fogel's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The "Advent of the Symphonina" album, featuring the works of Fogel, Daniel Fisher, and the competition winners, has been submitted for Grammy Award consideration. Fogel's ultimate goal, however, is not just recognition, but a deeper impact on the classical music landscape."It's a shame that symphonies are not listened to by younger people," Fogel laments. "By doing this, I'm hoping to have more music that is more palatable to younger people. They can come back and appreciate the larger symphonies and bring their children and introduce them to classical music."Fogel's passion for classical music is rooted in the emotional power it holds. "There are also scientific studies into the benefits of listening to classical music," he says. "But really, it's all about how it makes you feel." By creating symphoninas, Fogel aims to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary music, inspiring a new generation of listeners and ensuring the enduring legacy of symphonic compositions.