The New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s 2020-2021 concert season is another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The orchestra’s Board of Directors announced Thursday that the NHSO will not perform live concerts that have been scheduled through June 2021.
Orchestra officials said in a September New Haven BIZ story that they were tentatively planning to return to concerts on Jan. 21, subject to guidance from health and government officials.
The board said Thursday it made the decision to cancel to ensure the safety of both the musicians and audience members, and based on “strict adherence” to state and CDC guidelines.
The pandemic was also making it difficult for the orchestra to access its regular performance venues in schools and universities, the NHSO board said.
“Although this decision does not come as a surprise, it still pains us to set aside all of the brilliant programs and performances that we had originally slated for this season,” NHSO CEO Elaine C. Carroll said in a statement.
A NHSO outdoor concert in October.
However, Music Director Alasdair Neale said NHSO is “working hard behind the scenes to reimagine what an orchestra performance can be in our changed world.”
While concerts have been suspended since the first COVID surge last March, NHSO has been offering virtual education and community concerts, and last month performed outdoor concerts at New Haven’s Canal Dock Boathouse.
Neale said the orchestra will be sharing a new concert and education program lineup soon.
Contact Natalie Missakian at news@newhavenbiz.com
