Paganini apparently passed out flyers in disguise for his own concerts. During the intermission, he sold tickets at the box office during the intermission (but, at a discount).[1] Liszt had his friends and admirers write published reviews to combat his critics and enemies. That’s what they did to make sure that their concerts were successful ventures.
Public concerts are risky business. Throughout history, the majority of public performances have been something local musicians put on to promote their status in their small communities. It was considered a success if it broke even. In addition, there has always been this notion that if you seek profit, the non-musical incentive would make your music impure.
I am saying all of the above to give what I will have to say a context.
I am playing at Asia Society Texas Center in Houston, on February 3rd. MATIMA Feb 3 2018
It will be great. Asia Society is presenting us. Japanese Association of Greater Houston is helping us put a post-concert reception in a street fair-style vendors serving Ramen, Octopus Balls (Takoyaki), sake tasting, etc. all donated by local Japanese restaurants and businesses. A tea ceremony opens our musical program: tea ceremony is not just a visual presentation, but all-sensory. They consider the sound of the water being boiled, poured…everything to be “music,” as a part of the treats they are offering. We are donating our proceeds from the ticket sales to Hurricane Harvey victims in the community from EMERGE-HISD (http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/112098): a non-profit organization in support of high-achieving students from underserved communities. It will be great, and it’s for a great cause – but the tickets aren’t selling.
Help me spread the word – help me. I cannot do this by myself.
Here is the link to Asia Society webpage about the event: https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/performing-asia-beauty-mei-universal-matima
Here is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/404270810005632/
I would like this to be a community-strengthening, life-affirming, memorable event for everyone involved. Please come join us!
[1] Mai Kawabata, Paganini: The âDemonicâ Virtuoso (Suffolk, UK: The Boydell Press, 2013), 79.