§  ||  ¶Outrageous

Jordi Savall and Hesperion XXI are performing next weekend in Berkeley. This is a must-see event. But even if I could afford to attend either of the two concerts, at $52/seat, I couldn't because they're already sold out.
Last week they performed in NYC. I wonder what the ticket prices were there. Problem is that these performances are taking place at the First Congretational Church in Berkeley,  a much smaller hall than the normal venues on the UC Berkeley Campus. So I guess the economics force the ridiculous ticket price. I'm glad for them that they sold out both performances.
But how do you break thru the image that classical music is only for snobs and the upper classes with ticket prices that match dinner at Chez Panisse? Even new music concerts are reaching $30-$40. No wonder there are so many empty seats, and a greying audience.
I'm sorry, but at these prices live music is a luxury. It really shouldn't be that way.
Added note: I just checked the NYTimes from last week, and ticket prices for Hesperion XXI's concert in NYC were $40, and the concert also was in a church. I guess prices ARE higher west of the Mississippi.

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