Living Room Formats
Photo: Victor Marin Roman
At Montforter Zwischentöne, we produced an event series that took place in the homes of our audience members. We lent musicians and experts to households all over the region and let them spend an evening with families and guests. The following seven rules guided this event design:
Dialogue instead of representation. Anyone and everyone can take part. We are not interested in organizing the kind of upper-class receptions that one might associate with the term salon.
Simplicity relaxes. The more official, the more noble, the more perfect, the less encounter, play and joy. Our tip: only cook when it's easy.
Avoid pure politeness on your invitation list. Invite people with whom you enjoy talking, who listen and enjoy meeting your guests.
New encounters with exciting people. Have you ever thought to yourself, I'd like to get to know them, I'd like to have a chat with them? Now you have an excellent opportunity to do so.
A salon is not a house concert, let alone a lecture. One person gives a talk, and everyone else sits back? No, a salon offers space for encounters and exchanges, for the success of which all those present are jointly responsible.
The guest gives an impulse, perhaps lasting half an hour, plays and talks about their experiences and insights relating to the topic—an impetus for conversation between the guests.
Those who come are the right ones.
Photo: Victor Marin Roman
Event Design: Hans-Joachim Gögl, Folkert Uhde
Production: Thomas Pfanner