Philharmonic Too Pricy?

I enjoyed your article regarding the price increase for the Los Angeles Philharmonic (“Philharmonic Prices Jump,” by Christopher Reynolds, Sept. 28), except I don’t think you should be comparing their prices to staged performances and basketball games. It is a bit like comparing apples and oranges.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic was already the most expensive orchestra in town. My orchestra-level subscription seat will be going from $65 to $120, an 85% increase.

I will not be renewing my subscription, but I hope to attend the L.A. Philharmonic for their annual visit to the Orange County Performing Arts Center, where the orchestra-level seats are still around $60, and even less for subscribers.

I know there are music lovers who would not have to drastically alter their lifestyle to accommodate the increase in subscription ticket prices. I only hope there are enough of them to keep the Philharmonic’s already declining attendance from dropping any further.

BRENT TRAFTON

Long Beach