Australian stages are packed with great shows – so why aren’t people booking tickets?

Richard Tognetti plays with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, whose single ticket sales are still down between 20-30%. Photograph: ACO

When the Victorian government announced on Monday it was reintroducing 25% cash back on all entertainment and dining expenses over $40, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra staff sprang into action.

By close of business Monday, more than 50,000 concertgoers in the MSO database had been alerted and the company recorded a 40% spike in ticket sales – their strongest day in years.