Jon Johanning wrote:

>The orchestra will have to project a pleasant, non-threatening--and yes,
>entertaining!--image to the public(as much as this causes some of our
>gorges to rise)and somehowget itself noticed in the ubiquitous electronic
>media uproar, if it is to have any hope of attracting a new audience.

The above is a decent start, but something much bigger is needed.  The
concert-going environment and services provided must change.  A totally
different seating arrangement is a must, one which is user friendly.
Kitchen/cooking facilites are needed, fine drink and food provided at your
seat, perhaps a "raffle" with cd's and/or meetings with artists the prize.
What's needed is an environment where folks can have a good time.

With these types of changes, many potential audience members would become
dedicated concert-goers.  Unfortunately, our orchestras don't appear to
have any idea who their audiences really are or who the "potentials" are.

For those who would say that my recommendations would represent an
abomination, I think that those individuals are just hiding their heads
underground.  Orchestras do not survive due to the serious classical music
lover; they survive due to the "casual" concert-goer.  It's entertainment
as Jon said.  They need to start entertaining us.  I can get all the
serious stuff in my home.

Don Satz
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