Went to the Philadelphia Orchestra last night...

[PCIntern]

magnificent performances, a world premiere of an American composer's flute concerto, a US premiere of a work newly discovered by Vivaldi(!), and one of Richard Strauss' greatest pieces performed by an augmented orchestra with two harps, multiple bassoons, many horms and large string section, as well as a whole batter of percussionists.

Place was 1/2 empty - students were let in for 6-8 bucks a ticket and allowed the place to get to about 3/4...it wasn't too many years ago that the Academy of Music was full-plus for series concerts. Sad..

If Charlie Sheen were narrating, it'd be SRO.

[lunatica]

1. Well it was a Monday night and people are feeling the money pinch

But if Charlie Sheen were narrating, the people who normally go to concerts wouldn't have been there. The media would have flooded the place.

[PCIntern]

3. It was a Tuesday night...

it used to be packed...Series sold out in the old days.

[lunatica]

6. People are feeling the economic pinch

Maybe there isn't much mad money left over these days. Tuitions are going up. Food prices are going up. Rents are going up.

[liberal N proud]

2. We lived in a college town for many years - performances were great

This was in the 90's. You could get tickets to some pretty descent shows for $15 or less. I have seen some pretty big performers for that price. Same caliber shows here in the Cleveland area are over my budget.

I sure miss that college town atmosphere.

[Le Taz Hot]

4. People just don't have any

discretionary funds anymore and the price of gas is approaching $4.00 a gallon. I've missed numerous low-cost concerts -- around $35.00 per ticket -- just because I can buy a lot of groceries for $35.00. The one exception was Renee Fleming. I REFUSED to miss her. Her "O Mio Babbino Caro" was worth the price of admission.

[PCIntern]

5. Saw her twice over 2 years

here in Philly at the Sunday series of great performers...tee-riffic...and the first performance she was coming off a cold with congestion...remarkable.

[teenagebambam]

7. I'm a professional musician

and a music teacher, and it's been years since I've been able to afford a symphony ticket. The only time I go is if I'm Performing.

It doesn't help matters that today's college kids have grown up with barely any music in elementary school. They have no appreciation for it, cheap ticket or not.

[PCIntern]

9. $65.00 for my seat...

staggering...

[noel711]

8. Mardi Gras.. Fat Tuesday... whatever..

lame ass excuse folks use to go out drinking
in the middle of the week.

Wish I lived closer,
but I gotta work for a living.
Left my house at 9 am, got home close to 11 pm.
And we still got bills up the yazoo.

I know: at least I have a job.

Love the philly orchestra.
Were you at Kimmel?

[PCIntern]

10. Yes...

I treat a few of the musicians...great stories!!! Fun!!

[Mimosa]

11. American kids haven't been taught about classical music in decades

TIt's shameful that American kids aren't generally exposed to classical music or jazz. Stupidity reigns.