Dreaming Of A Better Tomorrow In Cincinnati

As you might expect, Cincinnati Symphony music director Paavo Järvi would like to have some input into the proposed renovation of his orchestra’s concert hall. One problem with the existing hall is that it seats 3,400 – almost 1,000 more than the average American orchestral venue – and there is a “constant perception of underachieving” even when attendance is good. But Järvi’s first concern is not for his musicians, but for the audience: “a drink before the concert in a trendy new bar, dinner afterward in a Music Hall café, a place to buy CDs and books, and great music” are all parts of the modern concertgoing experience, and orchestras are increasingly looking to up their “hip” factor as a way of attracting new audiences.