Q: Why is the NJSO changing to the BEST OF… format from the traditional classical program?
A: As the NJSO continues to fulfill its role as a world-class orchestra, our commitment to financial stability is more important than ever. This new format enables us to be responsible financially while continuing to bring to your community the highest level of artistic integrity you have come to expect of the NJSO. We also believe this new concert format will allow us to reach new and diverse audiences. Orchestras across the country are experimenting and having success with new concert formats, and we believe we will be successful as well.
Q: Why do you have financial concerns?
A: Ticket sales continue to cover only 30% of the NJSO’s operating costs, and we must do everything we can to continue to fill our concert halls. But the decision to create the BEST OF… series is not just financial—we believe this new series will allow us to reach new audiences statewide.
Q: If I like traditional programming better, what should I do?
A: As a BEST OF… subscriber, you can still enjoy the traditional classical concerts in four other venues—Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, NJPAC in Newark, State Theatre in New Brunswick and Community Theatre in Morristown. Don’t forget that subscribers save 10% on tickets to concerts that aren’t in their subscription. You can also use your bonus voucher to attend one of the traditional classical concerts at any of these four venues.
Also, you could consider changing your series to a different venue. As a subscriber, you will receive priority over new subscribers and still receive your bonus voucher if you send in your request for a change by March 31.
Q: Will you ever be bringing back the traditional format?
A: The BEST OF… series is an experiment, though we are confident it will succeed. We want your feedback to help us know whether or not the series resonates with our audience. You will have several opportunities to talk to us throughout the year, and we look forward to hearing from you! You can call our toll free number—1.800.ALLEGRO—and share your thoughts any time.
Q: As a BEST OF… subscriber, how will I be able to use my bonus voucher? Can I use it for other venues as I have done in the past?
A: If you renew by March 31, you will receive a bonus voucher redeemable for a concert at any venue where the NJSO performs. Some restrictions apply, but you can use your voucher for traditional classical programs. You can also use it for additional seats to your BEST OF…concerts—the perfect way to introduce friends and family to the NJSO!
Q: What if I want to exchange my tickets to a different venue for a concert that is not part of the BEST OF… series?
A: If you cannot attend a concert in your subscription, you can exchange your tickets to NJSO concerts at any of our other venues. However, if you exchange into a traditional classical concert or Pops concert in Newark, New Brunswick, Morristown or Princeton, you will be charged a nominal fee to compensate for the difference in ticket price.
Q: Why are the prices so much cheaper for the BEST OF… series? Does this mean the quality is less than the traditional classical programs?
A: The BEST OF… concerts offer the same world-class artistic quality you have come to expect of the NJSO. You will not be disappointed in the quality of the performance. The price is cheaper because the concerts are shorter. In addition, the cheaper price aligns with our strategy to appeal to younger, more diverse audiences. Many young people do not currently purchase tickets to classical-music concerts because the price is perceived to be too high. By lowering the price, we hope to eliminate this barrier among young people.
Q: Why is Neeme Järvi not part of the BEST OF… series?
A: Neeme Järvi is not part of the BEST OF… series because of scheduling restrictions. Maestro Järvi is spending most of his time in Europe. During the 2008-09 he will only perform with the NJSO five times. However, as a subscriber, you have many opportunities to attend concerts he will conduct. You can exchange your tickets to a traditional classical concert in Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton or Morristown, or you can use your bonus voucher for a performance with Maestro Järvi at any of these venues.
Q: Is the NJSO selling out and becoming a pops-only symphony?
A: No. The NJSO is committed to artistic excellence and community engagement. The BEST OF… series features the highlights of classical music—not pop music—performed with the same artistic integrity you have come to expect from the NJSO. Combined with an accessible format and an affordable price, the BEST OF… series clearly illustrates the NJSO’s commitment to both artistic excellence and community engagement. |
