Ticket sales aren’t the only way for arts groups to measure success, but they’re a way that counts. If you can please audiences and keep revenues coming in, you can focus more on the quality of your offerings.
In that regard, , which begins its season Sept. 25, has few peers. The presenting group regularly sells out its seven-concert chamber music series, and it gets pretty close with its annual three-concert piano series.
The unlucky few classical fans who didn’t think ahead and buy a subscription can find themselves scrambling for the few dozen returned tickets the Friends are able to provide for individual chamber events.
The key to success: consistency. The group has been at it for 60 years, bringing to Denver some of the biggest international names in classical music. It knows its niche — basically one-night-only events featuring top talent — and hones it with care.
A lot goes into the programming, which is overseen by the Music Committee, a half-dozen or so board members who hash out the season.
They all bring their agenda to the table. Some like traditional Baroque, others go for contemporary sounds. Some are fans of quartets, and others prefer celebrity players.
Things can get passionate, according to committee member , a Denver attorney who has been on the board for 20 years. The conversation is always cordial, but it can get blunt.
“But by the time you take into account all the views and different perspectives of five or six people, you usually end up with a pretty good decision,” he said.
The committee starts with a few anchors; there are always a few string quartets in the mix, maybe a string soloist or two, but after that, a bit of horse trading goes on. Past performance counts.
“Everybody has a long memory on this committee,” said Lebsack. “We definitely remember the high points and the low points.”
The goal is balance, mixing proven winners with newcomers. If the committee can come up with someone right on the cusp of renown, the whole season can shine. A few years back, the Friends presented an up-and-coming pianist named ; now he’s an international star.
Other factors include touring schedules, price and, most importantly, whether or not Gates Concert Hall, on the University of Denver campus, with its 950 precious seats, is available that night.
“We take very serious our responsibility to maintain a high quality level,” said Lebsack.
How high? The lineup for the 2013-14 season says it all.
The Chamber Series:
Sept. 25: Orion String Quartet with Peter Serkin, piano
Oct. 2: Jupiter String Quartet with James Dunham, viola
Nov. 5: Chamber Ensemble
Nov. 20: Trio Solisti with Alan Kay, clarinet
Feb. 9: , violin
March 19: Elias String Quartet
April 2: Akademie für Alte Musik
The Piano Series:
Dec. 4: Kirill Gerstein
Jan. 5:
Feb. 26: Lise de la Salle
Ticket prices vary by series. 303-871-7720 or
Ray Mark Rinaldi: 303-954-1540, rrinaldi@denverpost.com or twitter.com/rayrinaldi
