BPO Offers Public a Free Sample

By Joyce Kryszak

Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is taking a cue from retailers to help drum up business. The BPO is making a free, introductory offer to would be-patrons. An Open House will be held this Saturday at Kleinhans Music Hall for the public to come hear the BPO play.

Click the audio player above to hear Joyce Kryszak's full story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.

The economic downturn has businesses pulling out all the stops to pull out of slumping sales. It has been no different for not-for-profits that depend on patrons to keep the the doors open. The BPO is one of those that has watched subscription ticket sales drop since last year. So, the orchestra is offering a free sample to help pump up business.

People can come by to hear all or part of the BPO's rehearsal Saturday morning - at no charge. BPO Executive Director Dan Hart said they hope people will fall in love with what they hear and want to pay to come back next season.

The BPO will be rehearsing "Mahler's Resurrection Symphony." The magnificent piece will be performed for the final concert of the season. It is a season thathas had audiences picking and choosing individual concerts, rather than buying up the entire series subscription. Hart said subscriptions are the lifeblood for the orchestra. But he said selling them is a perennial challenge.

So, he said if you are a fan or new to the orchestra come on Saturday to hear the BPO. And he said feel free to come comfortable injeans and tee shirts if you like.

Open House guests can hear the orchestra play, mingle with the musicians and the staff, have refreshments and take a tour of Kleinhans. And, like any good introductory offer, there will be special discounts offered for future concerts.