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 *********************************************** The CLASSICAL mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's HDMail High Deliverability Mailer for reliable, lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html