Pittsburgh Symphony Adopts the Credo of "Anything to Increase Revenue"

As part of its obvious credo of "anything to increase revenue", the Pittsburgh Symphony's latest step away from tradition is its billboard featuring a photo of Yuja Wang, virtuoso pianist, who is to appear with the orchestra this week.

The heck with the piano; no instrument appears in the photo.  There is only a provocative shot of Ms Wang in a strapless dress in which the focus is her cleavage as she teases the camera.

I wonder if a male symphony soloist will be featured in a tank top that accentuates his muscles.  Nothing would surprise me today.  The orchestra already promotes male soloists dressed in blue jeans with untucked shirts, a far cry from the ear of the tuxedo or suit and necktie.

Years ago, symphony management made it clear that proper attire for concerts is optional, that concertgoers should dress in whatever manner THEY are comfortable.  If one wishes to wear faded blue jeans with holes in them and a baseball cap to a Friday night premiere, go right ahead.  You need not worry about disapproving looks from anyone, certainly not symphony management, and it is assumed that no type of attire will deter any other concertgoer from attending.

The concept of decorum was tossed aside by the Pittsburgh Symphony long ago.  It is a bitter pill for the traditionalist that loves the arts and culture to swallow.