Too many empty seats

I agree wholeheartedly with Alicia Anstead’s review of Midori Gotos’ violin recital on April 18. This was indeed a phenomenal performance by two outstanding artists. What she did not mention, however, was the large number of empty seats in the hall. Since I had expected that this concert would sell out months in advance I was surprised by the light attendance.

Bangor has for many years shown a lively interest in classical music as shown by both the longevity of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the sold-out attendance for their performances. I have to wonder, however, if the many classical music devotees in the area forget that while our own symphony represents an extremely high level of achievement for an orchestra of its size some of the other performers being presented by the Maine Center for the Arts are, in fact, the very best in the world, capable of expanding our parameters of artistic experience.

A full recital by Midori and Robert McDonald with two encores for $26 is perhaps the best buy in classical music that I have ever heard of; they have sold out halls around the world at two to three times that price on many occassions. I hope that in the future more people will take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities offered by the Maine Center for the Arts and by the truly remarkable performers who come out of their way to enrich our lives with their talent. Nathan Slobodkin Bangor