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Monday, February 17, 2003

By Andrew Druckenbrod, Post-Gazette Classical Music Critic

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has unveiled a number of programs and discounts designed to bring more patrons into the hall.

Beginning with the 2003-04 season, all single ticket prices will be lowered to 1998-99 levels.

"We are making it much easier to come to the Symphony," said Sean McBryde, vice president of sales and marketing. "We are a valuable cultural asset to the community, and we feel a responsibility to make [the concerts] available to as many people as possible."

In addition to reducing ticket prices, the orchestra will launch several new discounts and continue others already in place. The 2003-04 season will see the debut of "Showcase" concerts, a program that brings teachers, students and families together prior to the performance for informational chats with PSO musicians. "Showcase" tickets will start as low as $11.

Several other new discounts will be available next season:

Renewing subscribers may purchase an additional Sunday subscription for a child (6-16 years of age) for $10 a concert.

Subscribers who renew all of their seats may make "referrals" in which their friends or acquaintances can buy the same type of subscription at a 40 percent discount.

The PSO is developing discount programs for area librarians, piano teachers and educators, as well as opening up rehearsals for junior and high school students at $7.50 a ticket.

The PSO also will offer "Flex 8 Coupons" and "Family Fun Packs," giving patrons the ability to mix and match their tastes and their schedules. The former provides eight coupons redeemable for eight tickets to most regular subscription concerts; the latter allows a family of four to subscribe to three Sunday concerts (12 tickets) for only $100.

A number of current discounts will remain in place:

Seniors may purchase a Sunday series subscription at 50 percent off.

A "senior rush" one hour before any concert gets patrons 62 and older a ticket for $15.

Full-time students may buy gallery seats for $12 per concert.

The PSO hopes the various discounts will mirror the success of its work with local universities.

"We offer programs for faculty, staff, alumni and students for 18 area universities and colleges, and all have skyrocketed," said McBryde. "We go to the campuses to offer the opportunity to buy tickets there. As of Feb. 14, we had surpassed this season the total of students who purchased single tickets to Mellon Grand classics last year."

Last year, 13,856 students bought tickets with the student discount; 14,221 students have done so this season.