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Cincinnati Symphony's Acclaimed 'Lumenocity' 2015 Festival to Charge Concertgoers

In its third year installment, Cincinnati's acclaimed series "Lumenocity" has been credited as a smash. The light and sound show has been free to the public but will now charge for tickets — and the price is worth the admission.

A $1.4 million event, organizers are encouraging patrons to purchase their own tickets in order to cut down on crowd sizes, but does this detract some attendees who have seen the show previously from participating?

Per organizers, all signs point to no, meaning newcomers and earlier attendees should fork over the funds to see one of Cincy's most astounding shows of the year.

An article at The Enquirer also beseeches its audience:

"Individually and as a community, we put our money toward what we value, and fundamentally, that should include the arts. Some of us pay for cable and contribute to public radio, and we at The Enquirer ask you to support the cost of news-gathering by paying for subscriptions. Likewise, as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra attracts a new audience via Lumenocity, newcomers need to appreciate that professional performers don't work for free."

A modest request, sure, but it's also been noted that the gala is most expensive for organizers who put up their own cash to keep the festival afloat. As one would imagine, though, this doesn't stop an ensuing debate.

The Cincinnati Orchestra, like most orchestras across the nation, are undergoing "inevitable growing pains" and were floored when the concert attracted 35,000 patrons in 2013. The following year the festival grew to 42,000 with "free" tickets online selling for $100.

Taking place Aug. 5–9, the festival and its organizers will begin to charge patrons, but invite all to attend.

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