The Victoria Symphony won’t be playing this year.
On Wednesday, the Victoria Symphony announced that it has taken the decision to suspend all of its programming for the 2020-21 season as a result of COVID-19.
The Victoria Symphony cited current provincial health regulations and an effort to protect the health and safety of their staff and patrons among the reasons for suspending the season.
Those who purchased tickets have the option to apply their subscription payment to the 2021-22 season, receive a refund, or donate their tickets back to the Victoria Symphony and receive a charitable tax receipt.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the symphony’s chief executive officer, Kathryn Laurin, “We hope that we will continue to be recipients of our patrons’ unwavering support as we weather these extraordinary times. Now more than ever it is critical to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for our wonderful symphony orchestra.”
Performances will resume when it is deemed safe to do so by the province and top health officials, the symphony said.
“We look forward to welcoming our audiences back to the concert hall to experience live symphonic music as soon as we are able to perform safely,” Laurin added.
On a positive note, however, the Victoria Symphony said it will be working to develop a virtual presence and are planning to host digital performances in the future.
“Please visit our website at victoriasymphony.ca and Victoria Symphony social media channels as we move to our digital concert hall. We’ll stay connected through exciting new digital performances, interviews, at home videos, archival concerts, online learning and more. Join us as we explore performance options, new formats and opportunities to bring music to our community. We look forward to engaging with you virtually,” the symphony said in a statement.
On behalf of the Victoria Symphony we hope you remain healthy and well, and look forward to a time when we can share extraordinary live symphonic music with you once again. Stay with us and stay tuned!”
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