In fact some Jeremiahs wield statistics to show that they aren't - or at least that the classical concert audience is in an advanced state of terminal decline. Most important of all, it isn't Young People's Music. Supporting it won't win votes. Attacking it just might. In fact the statistics are confusing.
Some venues report falling numbers, ageing attendances.
In fact it could well be the very diversity of concerts and festival events on offer in some urban areas that adds to the problem. Viewed from a less defeatist angle, the statistics might suggest another possibility - that the fundamental demand for live music is healthy enough, but that in some areas there's just too much competition. Plenty of people are attending concerts, but the quantity of what's on offer is causing numbers to be spread too thinly. Still, it can't be denied that classical concert halls have an image problem. But if the adjustments aren't spectacularly successful this will simply be a case of throwing good money after bad.