Symphony shifts classical concerts to later in week

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Prodded by subscriber requests, the Honolulu Symphony will present its classical concerts on Fridays instead of Tuesdays, effective this fall.

Curtain time will be at 8 p.m., a half-hour later than previous years. The orchestra will continue Sunday performances at 4 p.m.

Stephen Bloom, executive director of the orchestra, said the switches will enable patrons to work in dinner before the Friday concert and not deal with a late exit on Tuesday, normally a work night.

"Those surveyed said they preferred Friday, over Saturday, and the change will help us grow the audience," said Bloom. Tuesdays have been flat, he said, even declining in appeal, forcing the orchestra to rethink its agenda and tweak its schedule to satisfy the ticket-buyers and spur ticket sales.

Subscribers will get first dibs on renewing for the new season, with brochures and order forms expected in the mail next week.

The 2002-2003 season will be launched with guest violinist Hilary Hahn in a program of J.S. Bach, also featuring the violin of concertmaster Iggy Jang.

The change also means that Friday will become opening night for the classical series, with Sunday as the closing night.

The "pops" slate will not be affected, with some concerts on Fridays and some on Saturday nights, depending on the act.

Tuesday subscribers will retain their seat locations on Fridays, said Bloom. He said he didn't expect Sunday first-nighters, who will now be the closing-night audience, to switch to the Friday schedule.