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Hello, everyone -

I recently attended an amazing classical performance, and afterwards mustered the courage to approach the artist at the reception to tell them how much I enjoyed their performance, how much their playing meant to me. It was heartfelt and sincere, but I felt like it wasn't something they hadn't heard a million times before.

My question is: For next time, what would be some compliments I could pay a professional musician/concert artist that they would greatly appreciate and remember?

Thank you for reading this.

I think you need to do exactly what you did. Having some pre-arranged appreciative remark might ring false. After the concert, saying a simple thank you and maybe making a reference to something that particularly pleased you in the performance would be the best - and would be perceived as the most sincere - response, I would think.

Regards,

Some well chosen adjectives with your sincere comment, and a smile, and earnestness on your part certainly means a lot to a performer. When appreciation comes from the heart, the words appear naturally.

I don't know about the classical-music side of things, but when I attend a jazz concert and really enjoy someone's performance, I go to their website afterwards, get an e-mail address, and send them a note to say thanks and to say how much I enjoyed it. I always try to be specific, mentioning something that particularly struck me personally, rather than just saying generally that it was great.

So far, I've gotten back an appreciative personal e-mail from the musician every time. I think people like hearing that they made a distinct, personal impression or connection with you, even though they already know they're great musicians!

I always feel extremely happy and pleased when I get told that the music moved someone, that it touched their heart and that they were able to understand the sublime beauty of it. That's a fabulous compliment.

Be honest, that's all!

I've always wanted to tell a performer how much I enjoyed their performance but never had the courage to do so!

I appreciate being showered with precious jewels and/or cash.

LOL!

I will work for food. Especially chocolate.

Honest compliments will always appear .. and I think anyone can spot a dishonest opinion.

So say anything but always mean it.

Reminds me of the episode of Frasier where the actor after his performance asked him about his opinion, while he never watched the show. Nice episode.

I want to thank all the individuals who bothered to answer my original post. Wow, it's been a week since the concert and I am still thinking about it! One moment I had my eyes closed taking in the music...The next moment, without realizing it, I found myself on my feet, with tears of joy in my eyes, giving them a standing ovation!

BruceD - I didn't mean to sound like I was asking for any "pre-arranged" or canned compliments to give them. I guess I meant to ask what were some compliments some performing artists in this forum have received which have stayed with them, and for which they were very grateful.

Betty - Thank you for also reminding me that what is important is the sincerity behind the compliment.

MikeA - I really enjoyed reading your post.Yes, the day after the concert, I did go to their website and sent them an email telling again how much I loved the concert, and was moved by the performance. Yesterday, to my surprise, I received an email reply, saying that they appreciated my kind note, and that they would try to keep me posted on next concerts they have in my area. It made my day! I wrote back telling them how much I appreciated their taking the time to reply despite their busy touring and teaching schedule. I also expressed how wonderful it is that they are able to bring beauty and joy to audiences all over the world through their music...and how noble it is that they are in a position to pass on their knowledge and insights to their students!

Minaku - Thank you for your beautiful comments on the type of compliment that means the most to you!

When someone calls long distance a couple of years later to tell you how much the performance meant to them is a VERY nice compliment. Of course the letters one gets (and can save) is very nice too. When strangers wait to say something nice to you instead of leaving immediately is also something the performer appreciates (should!).

The basic rule is as already stated--be sincere in whatever you decide to say. Asking for an autographed program is nice as well. I was surprised after some performances that some of the attendees did want my autograph on their program.

So, all in all, I don't think you have to worry about what to say except exactly how you felt about the performance and its presentation.

I'm sure the artists are always happy to know that the audience received their playing with enjoyment and enthusiasm.

Varcon -

Thank you for your input and for telling us that story. It is good to know that fan adulation is usually greatly appreciated.

Yes, I did ask this concert artist to sign my program...I'm keeping it forever....

Morodienne -

Although I never acknowledged your reply, your chocolate comment made me laugh and stayed with me.

If you care, I had the opportunity to recently see another performance by this same musician (though this time I had to drive over 300 miles to get there!). At this concert, she was not as amazing as before, but she was still pretty damn amazing! One heck of a musician!

After her concerto performance, I went to see her backstage during the intermission, asked her to sign my program again like last time, then presented her with a giftwrapped box of chocolate truffles from my favorite chocolatier in LA!

She later emailed me thanking me for the "incredible" truffles and expressed how much it meant to her that I had made such a long trip to attend her concert.

Many thanks for the chocolate idea!

Ooo...I'll let you know the next concert I do .

Probably the best compliment is when people are in tears (the good kind! :p ) and/or are at a loss for words when I see them afterward. It can be a little bit awkward, but I usually give a hug - no words are necessary.

I've had two of those kinds of concerts recently, and I won't soon forget them.

I also appreciate receiving emails days/weeks after the performance. The fact that someone makes the effort to contact me well after the performance ended, means a lot to me.

Two church ladies so much enjoyed a service I substituted for that they treated me to a fancy lunch afterwards. And they certainly weren't shy about buying me Bloody Marys.

Those are the compliments I like...

i wish...

our church has a longstanding tradition of giving of one's talents. no one is ever thanked or complimented if they are a musician.. it's as if we're just a radio... and we've gotten so good!


waaaaa

When I see a performance and get a chance to muster up my courage and talk to the artist(s) I always say thank you for the performance and that it is the hope that I will be able to someday play like them that keeps me practicing and playing the piano.

That would work for me too. I'm in the market for a new grand so you could just give me a new Bose or Steinway. If thats not possible, I'll settle for an Estonia 190 (ebony polish)....

How wonderfully gracious of her to recognize and appreciate your gesture. Would you be willing to share with us who this remarkable person is?