Impact of Job Specifics on Social Ties of Professional Orchestral Musicians in Latvia

Description

Orchestral music performance creates an environment which consists of multi-directional social interactions. The relationships between the artist and the audience, among the musicians on stage, between the musicians and their music instruments. But this is only a part of networks that surround the lives of a professional orchestral musician. The other side, more personal - family, friends, colleagues - form a collective of relationships that both impact and are influenced by the musician’s work.. In this paper, I aim to examine the work experience of orchestral musicians in Latvia and how it affects their personal relationships and family life. Are there aspects of this profession that challenge family and friendship ties? If so, are these reasons specific to this type of work and are they influenced by education and employment system that orchestral musicians go through in Latvia?. Currently collected data, through semi-structured interviews, show that majority of respondents have several other jobs besides their work in orchestra. The main reason for seeking additional work was irregular and inefficient income. Another impact on their personal lives was the work schedule that is not constant and often clashes with working hours of family members and friends who don't work in this field. Important to note that all of the interviewed musicians had either studied or worked abroad at some time in their careers, or are still currently doing so. The reasons varied – for most, holding concerts or touring abroad is a recurring part of the job; studying to experience different modes of education; moving abroad to seek more opportunities and gain experience. These different movements were also mentioned as having a disruptive effect on relationships depending on duration and distance.. Thus these irregularities, uncertainties and constant movements can create disturbance in maintaining stable social connections in family and friendship circles.

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: PLACES
Event type	Conference
Conference number	3
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Rīga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International