A world-renowned orchestra has expressed its disappointment after performing before ‘rows of empty seats’ at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn last week.
Fewer than half the tickets for last Thursday’s concert by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra had been sold.
Bosses of the orchestra, which regularly plays in cities such as Sydney and Berlin, have spoken of their disappointment at the poor turnout – confirming that a number of disgruntled people had contacted them about the event.
Those that did attend the annual concert said the orchestra was visibly shocked by the small audience and that the world-class musicians would be reluctant to return to the town again.
Chronicle reader John Turner, a member of the Shrewsbury Community Choir, said: “They presented a programme of popular classical music to suit all tastes but apparently not the people of Shrewsbury.
“The theatre was less than half full with row after row of empty seats. The expression of disappointment on the faces of the orchestra was apparent and it was, quite frankly, embarrassing.
“It is an annual visit to Shrewsbury which should have been a memorable musical occasion performed before a full house.”
Chief executive Stephen Maddock, of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, said: “We very much enjoy visiting the wonderful new Theatre Severn and hope that those who attended enjoyed the concert as much as we enjoyed playing it.
“We were of course disappointed that there was a low turnout on this occasion, but look forward to working with Theatre Severn – who promote the classical concerts in Shrewsbury – on ways to increase the audience for classical music in the future.”
Peter Nicholson, Theatre Severn manager, said: “We were clearly disappointed by the turnout and will be reviewing the situation and holding discussions with the orchestra. We’re not sure whether it was the programme they put on or whether it’s because we have another concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in November which is selling well.”
By David Seadon