With the new season gearing up this fall, the Dover Symphony Orchestra also has a new home, new show times and new ticketing program.
The group made the slew of changes based on what its audiences requested, and what they thought new audiences might want.
“We’re trying to capture new audiences,” President Nancy Pikulik said. “We don’t want them [existing audiences] to feel like we’re excluding them, but we’re trying to open up the possibilities, or expose the symphonies to new audiences.”
One of the changes the orchestra hopes audiences will be in tune with is the move to Calvary Assembly of God. The 1,000-seat sanctuary, used for the church’s full-scale theatrical productions, will now house the orchestra’s concerts as well.
It allows the orchestra to offer open seating, Pikulik said, and is cost-efficient. Pikulik said while audience surveys didn’t have negative comments about local venues, Calvary scored high for its ample parking, convenience of restrooms and handicapped accessibility.
The move to Calvary brings with it new nights for DSO concerts. While traditionally held Sunday afternoons, this season’s shows will be at 7 p.m. Saturday evenings. Because the church was busy throughout Sundays, concerts weren’t possible. Pikulik said having the Saturday evening slot, however, could prove to be a boon, especially when drawing young adult audiences. The exception will be the Young People’s Concert, which will remain a Sunday afternoon program at the Schwartz Center for the Arts.
Changes to the group’s season aren’t just technical, they’re artistic as well.
This year’s Young People’s Concert will include, for the first time, a performance by the Youth Concerto Competition winner.
The group also surveyed audiences on what they would like to hear more of, and added popular classical and non-classical pieces. For example, the group’s annual Dover Days Pops Concert is a tribute to the big bands, a direct result of audience feedback.
One of the things that will stay the same is the reduced children’s tickets. Children younger than 16 with a paying adult enter free.
“It’s a good evening with the kids,” Pikulik said. “You can bring them along and it won’t cost any extra.”
Season tickets are on sale for $75 for adults, $55 for seniors, students and military. The orchestra is now able to take credit card sales via phone; the group’s website is under construction, but when fully updated it, too, will be a venue for sales.
Email Sarika Jagtiani at sarika.jagtiani@doverpost.com
