So, I’m going to see the National Symphony Orchestra for the first time in a while tonight. (I used to be a subscriber, but found myself missing a lot of shows.) When I went to buy tickets yesterday, I was surprised to see good tickets available in all sections two days before the performance. I think the NSO and other orchestras need to reexamine their economic model – something is wrong when they charge $60+ a ticket and the place is half empty. How about charging more for the big names and less for the lesser known ones? From what I understand, it’s impossible to cover the fee of a performer like Yo Yo Ma, an orchestra just books these names to sell more season subscriptions.
The audience for classical is clearly in decline. It would be a shame to see orchestras need to rely on benefactors to cover their costs or to shut down.
