Berlin goes classical

Classic meets fetish

Two days before the Folsom Europe streetfest last year, a brand new and unique event took place in Berlin, Classic Meets Fetish. As its name suggests, this brand new event combined three important components for the very first time: a classical music concert with fetish musicians for a fetish audience. And to make sure that as many people could benefit from it as possible, it was also a charity event which raised almost €1,000 for HIV charity organisations in Berlin.

Although when the news of this brand new event first leaked shortly after the Leather Pride in Antwerp 2015, there were some very mixed feelings expressed in public on the social media. Whereas many people welcomed the idea of this new kind of non-sexual, cultural event, many others were very critical of it. However, the discussion alone of “Do we want it or not?” actually gave the concert its own dynamic with many people in the audience simply attending to try it out. At the time I was following the mixed feedback on Facebook very attentively: I had known from the beginning that in order not to make any debts from the concert, I would need to sell at least 40 tickets to break even but up until the last minute I wasn’t even sure I’d sell that many! In the end, however, all 83 seats sold out, making it one of the most popular first-time social events in Europe. It was not only an evening of music, but during the recess the audience had time to meet each other and share their experiences. In fact, this kind of event is the perfect place to make new friends or even find a boyfriend; at a place with several different types of guys with whom you basically share the same interest and discuss opinions on what you have experienced ‘together’. Much better than searching for a lover on Gay Romeo!

The most important thing of course about a classical music concert is the music itself, which was performed by professional musicians while wearing fetish clothes. Paul, the professional cellist who has played with several large and well-known orchestras around the globe, had even flown in from a performance in London the day before only to be able to participate! Having the opportunity to finally go on stage and perform in leather or sportswear was enough motivation for the musicians, who all played for free, to sacrifice their free-time for a higher cause. As it was important for me to hold the event as a community project, I was glad to encourage Martin, the baritone singer and member of the BLF, to perform at the concert even though he was not a professional musician but only an amateur. Several times during the evening, the musicians were given standing ovations.

The success of last year has inspired me to do it again this year, but this time bigger and better. I sat in the front row at my own concert and watched every move, I have analysed the photos and film clips and spoke intensively to the musicians – I tore everything apart that I had originally put together, to see what was missing and what could be done better next time. The fact that last year was such a big success has motivated a large number of musicians to contact me with the wish to perform, meaning I will be able to provide greater quality in music. This year it will take place in a church, the historical Twelve Apostle Church in Schöneberg near Nollendorplatz, with excellent acoustics, a fantastic atmosphere (particularly when you’re wearing fetish clothing!) and seating for up to about 300 people who can buy their tickets according to seating category. The tickets will cost between €20 and €40, so it’s affordable even on a small budget. Once again, after the costs have been deducted, the remaining amount will be donated to charity organisations. Of course, like at every cultural evening event, I don’t want the audience to show up looking like they’re off for a night in Laboratory, but instead to consider evening dress – in fetish! I’m extremely grateful for the cooperation with the church and want to treat this place of worship with respect.
The flyers and posters have been made, photo by Max Samauth, and MrB Berlin once again gets my thanks for being the main event sponsor. Tickets will go on sale this spring and can be bought in advance. IF you want to find out more, you can go to www.classic-meeets-fetish.de and I’m already looking foward to seeing you there on Thursday 8 September 2016 at 8pm.
Tyrone Rontganger