Poaching

Remarks from the Dean Corey, Artistic Director:

Last night’s concert by the wonderful Dresden Staatskappelle Orchestra concluded with an encore of Weber’s Overture to Der Freischutz, which could mean Free Protection, Free Shooter or The Poacher or Something for Nothing.  There was other poaching or attempts at poaching going on in the concert hall besides the music from the stage.  It is a natural occurrence for people to want to improve their situation in all areas of life.  The concert hall is no different.  Members of the audience who sit in the cheaper seats due to their financial situation often stare with envy from the heights of the balcony at the empty seats of the well-heeled below.  A few of these brave souls make a move into these seats at intermission driven by the love of the music and a desire to have a better experience despite the dangers of roving ushers and these well-heeled patrons showing up late.  I did the same when I was a music student.  I was brazen enough to walk into the Met from the street mingling with the crown after the last intermission and sit in the fourth row from the front.  I know well the last acts of a number of operas.  You can’t get away with that today.  Bravo to these people who are after a great music experience.

A Disclaimer from Dean Corey, President:

Poaching of seats at concerts is reprehensible and should not be tolerated.  I support the thankless task of the volunteer ushers who have to send these usurpers back to their seats in the rafters.  The ushers are the pride of the management.