Concert-goers who’d like to see the monthly Chemainus Classical Concerts performances this year had better take notice. It seems purchasing your tickets in advance might be the only way to ensure a seat.
The Sunday, Jan. 7 performance of The Guitar Around The World, featuring David Sossa on guitar, was sold out at St. Michael’s Church.
“Actually, the concert had sold out the evening before,” noted Chemainus Classical Concerts artistic director Ann Mendenhall.
A total of 14 people were turned away that evening due to a lack of space.
“Those who showed up expecting to be able to just pay the door price were turned away,” added Mendenhall. “We estimate as many as 20 came.”
This is actually a first for Chemainus Classical Concerts. “We haven’t had sold-out concerts before except with choirs, but things could be different from now on,” conceded Mendenhall.
It’s hard to pinpoint an exact reason for the sell-out, especially for the first show after the Christmas holidays when a smaller audience might have been expected. However, the series is becoming better known and the quality of the performances has many people wanting to attend each and every one.
People should definitely get their tickets early, Mendenhall advised, to avoid disappointment.
If they don’t, they should call Eleanor Montour, the member of the St. Michael’s Presents Society board of directors and volunteers responsible for tickets, the evening before (or the day of) at 250-748-8383 to find out if there is still availability. If a concert happens to be sold out, her answering machine message will point that out.
It’s an usual problem to have, but a good one at the same time for the Society.
“It will be great if concerts continue to sell out,” enthused Mendenhall.
The next performance is The Complete Chopin Studies on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s. It features Antoine Joubert on piano.
Tickets are $17 in advance through outlets and $20 at the door. Children and students pay $5.
Ticket outlets include: Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn, Owl’s Nest Bakery Bistro in Chemainus, Salamander Books in Ladysmith and Ten Old Books in Duncan.
Additional information is always available from Montour at 250-748-8383.