The New York Times claims that Lang Lang's forthcoming Haiti benefit concert in Carnegie Hall will raise next to nothing for the earthquake victims, even if all $189,793 worth of tickets sell out.
No criticism can attach to Lang Lang and his fellow artistes, who have waived their fees. But the concert promoter CAMI Music estimates that expenses will total $181,590, which will leave little profit.
Costs include hall rent of $13,785, $6,315 for ushers, $2,300 for security and $42,535 for "stagehand labor" (aka unionised piano-shifters on $500K a year).
Ironically the biggest expense itemised in the article is a massive $52,000 for advertising the event - in the New York Times.
Fortunately an added $60,000 in promotional sponsorship from Montblanc and CAMI should ensure the Haitians receive some cold hard cash.
