“When the St. Louis Symphony begins its 2019-20 season in September, concert-goers will notice changes orchestra managers hope will broaden its appeal,” writes Chad Davis at Wednesday’s (8/21) St. Louis Public Radio. “With a reduced base ticket price of $15 for classical shows, a change that will allow patrons to bring drinks into the concert hall and diverse musical offerings, the SLSO’s new season aims to better attract younger listeners, people of color and first-time attendees…. ‘Our great desire in creating access is to engage the community,’ … SLSO President and CEO Marie-Hélène Bernard said…. [Also planned are] collaborations between area school districts and the symphony to increase awareness and interest in classical music, she said…. Orchestras across the nation are experimenting with price reductions and other ways to increase its audience and expand the interest in classical music, said Jesse Rosen, the League of American Orchestras’ president and CEO. ‘New audiences are … interested in more informal experiences or opportunities to socialize,’ Rosen said…. ‘We’re seeing … experimentation in practically every aspect of orchestra operations, from the programing, from the choices of music that’s being played, the way it’s being presented on the stage, the pricing of concerts.’ ”
Posted August 23, 2019
In photo: The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in performance at Powell Hall
