I used to have seasons tickets to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, but I dropped them because I got tired of paying Lincoln Center prices for second rate performances. The problem with the Kennedy Center is that it can surf along on its name, and bring in tons of money from tourists, secure that no matter what mediocre product it sells Uncle Sam will keep it afloat. There is no incentive to compete. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, which receives little public support, is driven to be so much better that it makes the NSO sound like a high school marching band. The only time I visit the Kennedy Center these days is when they have some visiting company or performer there.
I won’t disagree.
I attended a Kennedy Center performance where the pianist played a grand piano tith a windshield squeegee.
I’m not certain but although a DC national attraction, the center is a private organization. Having no Idea of the operating expenses, I can’t tell if $25 million is adequate for say 6 months or so of closure.