Oregon Symphony will continue bringing classical music to audiences through new and ongoing digital programming
Oregon Symphony has announced that all previously scheduled live concerts and events are canceled from January 9 through June 14, 2021, including performances at Arlene Schnitzer Hall in Portland, Ore. and Smith Auditorium in Salem, Ore. Although the difficult but necessary decision is in accordance with federal and state guidelines to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the Oregon Symphony remains committed to its mission of moving music forward through the continuation of digital programs and new initiatives that offer diverse classical music experiences. The 2021/22 Season will be announced in early 2021. Until then, Oregon Symphony will explore rescheduling canceled concerts in the 2021/22 Season, such as An African American Requiem, which has been rescheduled for May 7, 2022.
“We are heartbroken to be forced to make this decision, but we must prioritize the health and safety of our patrons, musicians and staff,” says Scott Showalter, Oregon Symphony president and CEO. “We will reunite in-person with our community in Fall 2021, as we celebrate our 125th anniversary with adventurous new programming and exhilarating performances.”
Oregon Symphony has planned ambitious digital programs for audiences of all ages and backgrounds that feature a diverse group of composers across a variety of musical genres and cultures. New programming will build on the success of previously-released digital initiatives like the popular children’s classical series, Symphony Storytime, and Essential Sounds, a musical tribute series dedicated to essential workers over the course of the pandemic.
“I am deeply saddened that our audiences will not have the opportunity to experience live, in-person concerts this season. The Oregon Symphony has a close and unique relationship with its community and I, personally, will miss sharing the joy of music with Oregon audiences and my special connection with patrons that I have enjoyed over the years,” says Music Director Carlos Kalmar. Celebrating his 18th and final season as Music Director, Oregon Symphony plans to honor Kalmar at a future date.
Accessing Oregon Symphony’s Digital Content
Starting this December, new episodes are planned in English and Spanish of the popular digital children’s series, Symphony Storytime. Symphony Storytime is an engaging educational series and musical adventure for families of young children in which Oregon Symphony musicians accompany the reading of illustrated children’s books and share fun details about their instruments. Based upon feedback received from Storytime fans around the world, new episodes will include multicultural stories, books that touch on human emotions and feature new interactive activities.
Oregon Symphony plans to launch in the new year, the continuation of the digital series Essential Sounds with new episodes focusing on Oregon-based musical artists sharing their unique cultural heritages and the influence they have had on their music. In addition, the full musical performances featured in current Essential Sounds episodes will be released, individually, as a new series titled Essential Sound Bites. These condensed episodes will feature musical performances, such as vocalists Storm Large, Alonzo Chadwick, and Israel Nebeker of Portland indie folk band Blind Pilot, and musicians from the Oregon Symphony.
For Ticketholders
For tickets already purchased to canceled concerts, patrons are encouraged to donate the cost of their ticket back to the Oregon Symphony, or exchange tickets for a gift certificate. Subscribers can apply ticket values to the 2021/22 Season subscription and retain seat locations at current pricing. Refund requests are also accepted. For assistance, please contact the Oregon Symphony Box Office by phone at 503-228-1353, or email symphony@orsymphony.org.
About Oregon Symphony
The multi-Grammy Award-nominated Oregon Symphony ranks as one of America’s major orchestras. Led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar, it serves more than 235,000 people annually through live concerts and award-winning education and community engagement programs. The Oregon Symphony has broken attendance and fundraising records in recent years, while innovating on stage through new series such as SoundSights, Sounds of Home and SoundStories. Additionally, syndicated programming for broadcast reaches tens of millions of people throughout the world. As 2021/22 will mark its 125th anniversary, the Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra in the western United States. For more information, visit www.orsymphony.org.
Follow Oregon Symphony on Instagram @OregonSymphony, Facebook @OregonSymphony and Twitter @OregonSymphony.
Contact Information:
Grady Britton
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503.972.8821