“It might seem improbable in the age of streaming media, YouTube videos and virtual reality, but the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra is attracting a growing audience for live concerts of classical music,” writes Janelle Gelfand in Friday’s (8/2) Cincinnati Business Courier. “The key to survival … its leaders say, is the personal touch…. As the 32-member orchestra embarks on its 45th season—and its fifth Summermusik festival—on Aug. 3, subscriptions are up 50% over last year. Already, six of the smaller events in the 12-concert season are sold out…. The chamber orchestra aims to provide a social experience…. Often, multimedia displays accompany the music.… [Summermusik] … includes ‘chamber crawls’ in bars and breweries and small musical events in unexpected places…. The festival season is still anchored by four, traditional orchestral concerts.… On every concert, [Music Director Eckart Preu] programs ‘classical music blockbusters.’ … The conductor likes to use themes, such as ‘Espaňa’ on Aug. 17, which includes a flamenco dancer and the renowned guitarist Pepe Romero…. The board is hammering out a new strategic plan.” Says former board member Robert Chavez, “We’re in a good track for our organization, because we are growing the audience.… People are having more fun with it.’ ”
Posted August 6, 2019
In photo: Eckart Preu conducts and serves as pianist at a Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Summermusik concert at the Cincinnati Nature Center, August 4, 2019. Also performing is percussionist Nebojsa Zivkovic. Courtesy CCO
