I'm not sure about start times, rock and roll shows have similar starts. I think the two big problems are the tuxedos and the incredible lack of something to look at. The whole dress up atmosphere of the classical concert is anathema to modern entertainment, we're now deep into our 2nd (and fast approaching 3rd) generation that wears jeans and t-shirts to see their favorite musicians perform, there's really no reason to dress up in the audience area it's dark anyway, but classical music maintains the tradition of dressing up, and that tradition begins with the tuxedo clad performers. Even most magicians have ditched the tux, time for classical to move on, not saying they should come out dressed like Judas Priest, but something a little less associated with getting married would be nice.
Then there's the incredible lack of visual presentation. Lets face it, unless you know how to play one of the instruments, and have good enough seats to actually watch the technique of the players in that section, there really is NOTHING to look at during an orchestral or symphonic show. If you're going to go to an event in person you need something for multiple senses, if you're just going to listen you can stay home and put on a CD. Now I'm not really sure what the solution to this is, maybe Walt was onto something with Fantasia and hiring an animator to give a visual interpretation playing behind the orchestra would do it, maybe go totally rock and roll and bring in the pyrotechics, or go pop and bring in a dance troupe, but give them something to look at besides a bunch of people sitting in uncomfortable clothes.
Bingo. I'd rather buy multiple versions of a piece and enjoy it while listening at home on a killer sound system.
For the kids, why waste money on more concert tickets when you can buy a complete set of Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concert videos and enjoy them at home? There's more education in the Berstein series than going to 100 concerts.
> ...there really is NOTHING to look at during an orchestral or symphonic show.
Come to Boston on July 4th and you can look at the fireworks.