In Wednesday’s (2/23) Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), David N. Dunkle writes, “Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra conductor Stuart Malina works with his back to the audience, but he’s keenly aware of how many eyes are upon him. … On most nights, Malina is at the podium for an HSO concert, the 1,800-seat Forum in Harrisburg is two-thirds or more full. Some shows sell out. In a decade when nationwide attendance for live orchestral music has declined by about 20 percent, HSO has slowly increased its audience during Malina’s 11-year tenure. That trend continues this season, despite a lingering economic downturn. … There’s a growing consensus among symphony orchestra managers that survival is tied to building a bigger audience, perhaps even ahead of the need to raise money. … ‘There’s no question the audience for orchestras has gone down,’ Judith Kurnick, the [League of American Orchestras’] vice president for strategic communications, said. ‘On the other hand, more people are listening to classical music online or through electronics.’ … The orchestra will continue to offer $10 seats on the far wings at The Forum. The hope is those ticket-buyers will migrate to the center of the auditorium, where seats go for as much as $65 now.” The article also discusses two other ensembles in mid-Pennsylvania that are looking at growth opportunities, the West Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra.
Posted February 23, 2011
