A new ISO marketing move

Just yesterday, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced a new addition to its schedule–a Tuesday night preview concert of music excerpts from upcoming shows. The Jan. 8 coming-attractions evening ticket price is $5, which also includes a 2-for-1 offer for a future show.

Getting audiences to sample is always a challenge for symphonic music (as well as dance, opera and just about all of the “higher” arts).  And this sampler night certainly seems like a worth-a-shot program. I know a number of people who might consider braving a cold winter Tuesday night to get a taste of the ISO.

These days, the Hilbert Circle Theatre is filled with Yuletide Celebration attendees. And during the regular season, there is a loyal, appreciative audience. But, for the rest of you, why haven’t you gone to the symphony lately?

And if you are a Yuletide-and-only-Yuletide or Pops-and-only-Pops or Conner-Prairie-but-not-Hilbert-Theatre attendee, what are the barriers keeping you away?

Do you believe programs such as the sampler night ultimately can help convert some of you into regular ISO goers?

Your thoughts?