NEWS RELEASE
Date: April 2, 2020Contact: Lexi Locke
For Immediate ReleasePhone: 417.864.6683
Photos Available Upon RequestCell: 417.860.9690
lexi@springfieldmosymphony.org
Springfield Symphony cancels remaining performances in 19/20 season
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is cancelling all concerts and events remaining in its current 19/20 season “American Playlist.” Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 85-year old organization has been proactive in working to keep its musicians, staff and community healthy and safe. The announcement was made by Springfield Symphony Board President Jim Johnson on Thursday, April 2, 2020.
“While this was a difficult decision to make, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra cares deeply for the health and safety of its musicians, staff and community,” Johnson stated. “The Springfield Symphony is cancelling or postponing all events, concerts, rehearsals and gatherings through the remainder of its 19/20 season to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.” An additional concert will be held on Saturday, August 29th at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts as a supplement to the remaining SSO 19/20 concerts that have been cancelled or postponed. As a result of the SSO’s concert and event cancellations, the Springfield Symphony has created a way to help their musicians who have lost work during this time.
“In addition to prioritizing the safety and health of our patrons, players, and staff team, we are also aware of the financial uncertainty that many of our players may be facing in the midst of our concert cancellations/postponements,” Johnson continued. “We are committed to our musicians’ financial well-being during this period, and the SSO has created a Musicians Emergency Fund for SSO musicians in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community’s support today is more important than ever. As a nonprofit arts organization, Springfield Symphony Orchestra relies on the people we serve. That has never been more true than during this time of event closures as our community works together to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).”
Ticket holders will be contacted regarding all ticket exchange and donation options available and can contact the Springfield Symphony office by emailing seasontickets@springfieldmosymphony.org. Ticket holders are asked to reach out to the Springfield Symphony office for further questions by email at seasontickets@springfieldmosymphony.org. The Springfield Symphony office is closed until April 27, 2020 with staff members working remotely during this time. The Springfield Symphony is closely monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) both locally and nationally, and will follow updates and guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with our local government to make the most informed decision possible.
For more details and updates regarding the coronavirus, visit the CDC website. The Springfield Symphony will post up-to-date information on its concerts and events, as well as its 20/21 season details, via its Facebook page and website. As well as frequent updates, the Springfield Symphony will be publishing videos of past performances available through the SSO website and YouTube channel free of charge. For information on how you can support the Springfield Symphony and its musicians during the COVID-19 crisis, visit www.springfieldmosymphony.org/.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Additional funding for all Springfield Symphony Orchestra programming is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. For more information, visit www.springfieldmosymphony.org or www.facebook.com/springfieldsymphony.
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