Sold-Out Sensation!
This past weekend’s concerts were a box office sensation with unprecedented highs in ticket sales including a completely sold-out show Saturday Night! As part of our seasonal Classics Series, this concert featured pianist Louis Lortie performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.4 and a conducting debut by the Phoenix Symphony chorusmaster, Gregory Gentry.For those of you who attended the performances last Thursday, Friday or the sold-out Saturday, we would love to hear what you thought. Also, if you couldn’t make it to the show, we want to hear from you, too so click on the 'comments' link at the bottom of this post and drop us a line. What kind of programming would you like to see? What aspects of the Symphony do you like or dislike? Obviously, we want to continue this box office success and the only way to do so is to hear directly from you!
3 Comments:
A quick shout-out of thanks to talkshow host Mac from KTAR who attended this concert and posted about his experience on his blog. Check it out at the following link:
Mac's Gut Check
I would like to think that the Phoenix Symphony has a better way to determine why there was a sell-out than to ask for input via this blog. You can't repeat a success if you don't understand the cause of that success. Surely you must have some idea why these concerts were popular? I find it hard to believe that there are hundreds of Stravinsky fanciers in the Valley, but who knows? Certainly Louie Lortie is an outstanding pianist, but again I find it hard to believe that he has enough fans here to populate Symphony Hall. So what's your theory?
I think there are many reasons that concerts have been selling well. First of all, the orchestra sounds great.
Secondly, in my experience with several other organizations it takes about three years of a consistent approach before an audience develops a new sense of loyalty. Go figure. I don't know why that has been the case in my situation, but that's what it shakes out to.
I suspect there is a trial period where people simply need to have their experiences reinforced enough that they can rely on it.
I've also been vocal about my desire to create a trust with our patrons that what we present, by and large will resonate with them in a meaningful way.
There are some practical things that went into that program that certainly didn't hurt. Beethoven is a good start. We featured his music a few seasons ago so there hasn't been an overwhelming presence in the last year or two.
The piano is such an exciting instrument to witness in a solo capacity, so clearly some came to hear Louis.
The Phoenix Symphony Chorus has been growing and growing so I suspect there is an enthusiastic audience for their contribution to our concerts. Again, we've given our audiences quality repeatedly when it comes to the chorus.
Lastly, February is in the middle of what we call the high season for ticket sales. The temperature seems right and people are here from where ever they venture from.
I was speaking with our CEO, Maryellen Gleason today wondering about the attendance at the huge numbers of concerts we have in April. Since we share the hall with the Opera, Ballet and Convention Center sometimes we will be allocated a block of weeks somewhat outside the high season, and April of this year is such a case. I think the programs will be fascinating but we see it as a test of whether we are on to something here.
At this point there are intangibles that bring you, our audience to us.
Of course, you're right. Isn't the blog a pretty unscientific means to capture those meaningful data points that might reveal the keys to future success? Sure. But...
We know hundreds of people read the blog and perhaps one or two will comment so there are probably as many people choosing to participate, even passively in the conversation as would be hassled by a company chasing them around for a survey. And, I'm sorry to have to say it but this means costs us nothing.
I'm not a quarter of the man President Obama is, but he is onto something by continuing to reach out in as many ways as he can. I'll take his approach any day and hope that by building trust and keeping my ears open to everyone that great ideas and conversation will flow.
I continue to be all ears.....
Thanks for writing.
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