Steve Schwartz <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>You may argue that standard programming fills more seats...

I am reminded of the "patron satisfaction" surveys done by our library.
There are such ridiculous questions like, "Are you pleased with the
service you get?" How can that be a measure of anything.  With no other
major research library nearby, what do they have to use for comparison?

I believe much the same can be true for the programming of our orchestras
and opera companies.  They have marketed themselves as the "tried and
true." It does not surprise me that an audience would complain when the
programming deviates from that expectation.

Many, like myself, have given up hope that our Symphony or Opera will
do much of anything of interest to me.  So, I am not likely to threaten
to cancel my subscription to the Symphony if they play something less
familiar...I don't have a subscription to the Symphony.  I no longer
listen to our classical station...I just don't expect them to program
anything which would eviate from the wallpaper approach they have taken.

I also wonder what it would be like trying be the orchestra marketing
person who has to write the advance for the next performance of a standard
rep Concerto.  They hype the outrageously overpriced soloist...and no,
I do not think Yo Yo Ma is worth $40,000 per performance.  (he will open
our season next year with a one nighter) I did some figuring...  with
our hall seating about 2,300 people, you would have to have the ticket
prices average out to $100 each...to break even.  I could buy a bunch
of CDs for $100.

None of this makes any sense, either artistically or from the business
perspective.  For me, it is insane.

Karl

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