Some FAQS about La Follia Online Concerts

Are these Zoom or Facebook streams?

No. Our experience with such streams is that the audio is distorted and there is often video frame jumping. The quality of the overall cast varies unpredictably between sessions.

Instead, our videos are released on YouTube or Vimeo to those who have purchased tickets to view them. These videos are of consistently high quality, and play well on phones, laptops, even large HDTV’s. Also, they can be played on demand at a time of your convenience. You can pause the video at any time for a snack or a bathroom break and and resume, not missing any of the performance. Finally, you can enjoy the performance or portions of it, as often as you like, for 30 days after the release date.

That said, we are fans of the Zoom experience for connecting visually with our audience, as well as for its ability to simulcast to all attendees. We are not big fans of the chat feature when used during the performance, because it distracts from the artistic experience. But at the beginning or between pieces chat is a huge plus. We will continue to monitor the available technology and adapt as necessary to provide both the best group experience as well as the ability to view the performances on demand at later dates, always at the highest video and audio quality.

Are the performances live?

They are, in the sense they were performed in real time and not edited as say a movie scene which is patched together from multiple takes. Then again, they aren’t, in the sense that they are pre-recorded before posting on YouTube or Vimeo. This allows us to avoid technical glitches that might occur in a real-time broadcast. It also allows us to economically post-process the multi-camera video into a compelling integrated video.

If I buy a ticket, how exactly do I get access?

Immediately after purchase, you will receive an order acknowledgement email. In the email you will receive a link you can use to access the performance. If you use the link prior to the release date and time, you will be directed to a holding page. After the release date and time, you will be directed to a page allowing you to choose viewing options and enjoy the performance. You will receive a reminder email shortly before release date with the concert program (you will also have the option to view or print the concert program when you access the program).

What are the options for viewing the performance?

We offer two options:

YouTube playlist. This is used if you just want to start the performance and, other than starting and stopping as is convenient for you, let it run to conclusion automatically. It works exactly like a standard YouTube playlist, and works particularly well on HDTV’s and smartphones. An example of such a playlist can be found here. (tap or click)

Website experience. If you want a more immersive experience, with inline program notes, additional extra musical details, and a survey at the end to provide your feedback, you will love this. We have uploaded an example of this here (tap or click). This works particularly well on laptops and tablets.

Once you buy a ticket, you can view as often as you want for the next 30 days after release date. Further, you can choose either viewing option each time you watch.

Suppose I miss the release date, but still want to watch the performance?

With your ticket and link, you can watch the performance whenever you want, as often as you want, for up to 30 days from the release date.

Suppose I am overwhelmed with all this computer stuff?

Don’t fret! It is easy, especially if you are already reading this on you device or laptop. You have all the skills you will need. But if you run into problems, remember you can access the video for up to 30 days after the release date. So you have plenty of time to either email info@lafollia.org or call (512) 879-6404, and someone will contact you to help you sort out the problem.

What is “Individual viewing” and “Household viewing”?

We offer two ticket tiers. “Individual viewing” means one person will be watching the video, even if he/she watches multiple times over the release period. “Household viewing” means multiple people in the same house (which includes friends being invited over) watch at the same time. They can be different friends on different occasions, because the ticket belongs to you. Yes, clearly this is administered on the honor system, but we trust you will do the right thing.

Why is this not free? A lot of other groups are offering free performances.

We won’t speak for the other groups and their motivation. But please note the free performances are being pulled from archived performances for which there are minimal costs to re-broadcast.

Going forward, with new performances, free access is not a sustainable financial model for any performing arts organization. In our case, 30% of our revenue comes from gate receipts. Further, a large portion of our institutional support (about 40%) requires matching funds from gate receipts. Since 83% of our expenses go toward compensating our Austin and Texas musicians, the impact of this revenue shortfall would be immediate and severe, and particularly toxic to our local artists.

More fundamentally, we are committed to offer our patrons something of value that is worth paying for. For example, this season we are honored to have Anton Nel appear on all of our concerts. For that reason alone, you can expect our concerts to be performed at the highest artistic level, which is totally incongruous with offering them as “freebies.” These performances will be produced at the highest standards for video and audio quality. We are sure it will be something you will treasure. It’s a case of value for value.

Among our peer group of performing arts organizations producing new content (including the Met recital series, Blue Rock, ACMC, and the Austin Symphony), pay-to-view tickets are ranging from $20-$50.

Do you have any examples of the videos?

Two are attached here. Several others are available on our YouTube channel. Just search for “La Follia Austin Baroque.” We encourage you to watch them on your smart phones, your laptop, and especially your HDTV’s.