ALEXANDRIA SYMPHONY CANCELS MAY AND JUNE PERFORMANCE

Posted Apr 21, 2020 | Press Releases, 

Alexandria, VA—In order to protect the health and safety of its audiences, staff and musicians, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is cancelling all performances in the months of May and June 2020. This includes its season finale originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 as well as its “Brandenburgs & Brew” concert scheduled for June 12.

“These are extraordinary times, and we all must do our part to slow the spread of this virus not only for our community but also for our first responders and health care professionals,” says ASO Board President Melynda Wilcox. “When it’s safe, the ASO will be back on stage, ready to inspire our audiences with exciting programs.”

The Saturday, May 16 program included a premiere of an original work by Baltimore Symphony’s percussionist Brian Prechtl entitled Tribute, commissioned by Classical Movement’s Eric Helms New Music Program. It features ASO musicians alongside students from its award-winning education program, ASO Sympatico.

“This premiere required more than a year of planning, and I’m heartbroken we won’t be able to present it this May,” says Maestro James Ross. “But we have added it to next season’s opening concert on Saturday, October 3, 2020 as a prelude to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Brian’s work is inspired by Beethoven, so it’s a natural fit.”

Ticket-buyers have already been notified of the cancellations, and musicians will be partially compensated for the loss of income. “Our musicians are our most important asset,” says Executive Director George Hanson. “They have been hit hardest during these challenging times, and we want to show our support and gratitude for them.”

The ASO will turn its attention to planning for the 2020-2021 season launch in October. Orders from state and local jurisdictions currently in effect prevent public gatherings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through mid-June.

“The Alexandria Symphony’s 2020-2021 season with the theme ‘All Together Now!’ has some exciting collaborations and inspiring masterworks in store,” says Maestro Ross. “We look forward to A future when sharing music in live performance can bring us BACK together again.”