Classic concerts cannot continue running at loss

“Back in the 50s, one of my parents’ friends was getting married to a very grand Yorkshire landowner. The bride initially asked me to be a bridesmaid but his family ditched me, deciding I was too common and might wear too much make-up, or my skirt would be too tight. I was mortified at first” YOUR esteemed reviewer (William Marshall, Tuesday May 2, 2017) is right to raise the question of the economic sustainability, indeed the very financial viability, of our long established local amateur orchestral societies.

Not only providing the opportunity of displaying our tremendous indigenous musical talents, combined and as soloists, that they’ve “survived” for so long (many celebrating 125 year plus anniversaries) is testament to their all-round enduring appeal.

From long before music was recorded and broadcast, and the local authority moved in on their scene perhaps ‘diverting’ audiences albeit to professional arrangements, they provided the only opportunity for folk to participate, hear and see classical music played and performed live.

But rather taken for granted “as they’ve always been there”, they are now being monetarily squeezed quite unreasonably.

As registered charities they cannot reclaim the extra 20% VAT cost levy that’s recently been imposed by KMC on all third party hirers of the Town Halls.

Nor sustain further price increases, announced in mid-April, which from May 1, 2017 now incur a unilaterally levied additional £1 per ticket booking fee to boot.

The way to address and reverse declining audience numbers is for all to recognise, “sell”, promote and buy-in to supporting their simply outstanding public concerts.

Use them, or lose them. Whilst “not for profit”, they cannot survive running at a loss.

So come along, enjoy and appreciate our unique musical heritage riches!

They afford great entertainment and, good for wellbeing, are fun just as an evening out as well.