CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra has canceled the rest of its subscription concerts for the 2020-2021 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amanda McDonald, the Marketing Director for West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) told 580-WCHS in Charleston said it was a tough call to cancel the remainder of the season that runs through May but the right call for safety.
“We are not going to be able to have people in the concert hall. We have to limit the number of musicians we have on stage and really look at the programming as far as what we can and cannot do,” she said.
“It’s about keeping everyone, our staff, our musicians, people that work with us every day keep them safe and healthy.”
WVSO initially canceled the first five shows of the season and this announcement made Monday evening cancels the final five that are held at the Clay Center in Charleston.
“The WV Symphony Orchestra is thankful that vaccines are becoming more readily available, and we hope to be able to be together in the hall again soon,” President Joe Tackett said in a statement.
“Nevertheless, we are still making alternative concert events that follow state and federal guidelines until the pandemic restrictions are lifted.”
The Symphony Orchestra will continue to provide performances online and through West Virginia Public Broadcasting. The next streamed concert will be on Jan. 27 at 3 p.m through WVPB from the Culture Center.
McDonald said more streaming events hop to be announced in the future, giving the entertainment and live music industry a different opportunity.
“It’s really given us a chance and the entire industry a chance to pivot to additional types of performances. It’s given us a chance to reach the entirety of the state. Normally our concerts are only held in Charleston,” McDonald said.