Monday, April 30, 2012

Philadelphia Orchestra Tunes Up for Its Future - WSJ.com

Philadelphia Orchestra Tunes Up for Its Future - WSJ.com: Some orchestras have experimented with different business models. Mr. Rosen cited the St. Paul (Minn.) Chamber Orchestra, which saw subscription rates surge after it lowered ticket prices for certain performances several years ago. Others are trying flashy programming: the Detroit orchestra will perform with bad-boy rocker Kid Rock in May.

"They need to do something to engage the next generation of patrons," said Ted Lenthe, of West Chester, Pa., a regular subscriber to the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1978. He spoke as he was waiting for the start of a Thursday evening concert, when the orchestra performed Brahms, Webern and Schumann under the direction of guest conductor Simon Rattle. The house was nearly full that night, but Mr. Lenthe has generally noticed more empty seats over the past decade or so.

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