november 2008

Classical Music
22 November 08
Edited by Thomas Lydon

Dilettantemusic.com has appointed Christopher Gruits as commercial director. Gruits recently completely completed an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Business School, where his thesis focused on corporate digital strategy in the classical music business and an analysis of strategic responses by classical music companies operating in the digital sphere.

The website's founder, Juliana Farha, said, ‘We are so excited to welcome Christopher to Dilettante. Not only does he come with significant experience in arts presenting, but his unique skill set combines classical music management and digital marketing experience, which is a rare find. Part of Christopher's remit is to drive and implement its retail and broader commercial strategy.'

The Sunday Times
30 November 2008
John Penman

Classical music site to go blonde

Scots-based digital agency Blonde has clinched a deal to design and develop the next phase of the online classical music networking site Dilettantemusic.com.

The site, set up by businesswoman Juliana Farha a year ago, allows musicians and listeners from around the world to talk to each other, upload their music and publicise their events.

In addition to building Dilettante's consumer-facing tools, Blonde will boost the site's usability, and finesse its look and feel.

Blonde, which is based in Edinburgh and London, already counts London's Sadler's Wells theatre and the Edinburgh International Festival as clients.

Dilettante is designed to guide users on a journey of discovery through classical music. It has attracted members and visitors from as far away as China and Australia, and organisations big and small, including the Royal Opera House.