The Susanville Symphony Society has announced the postponement of their annual spring Pops Concert, originally scheduled for next weekend, because of social-distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the past few months, since the Quarantine for the Covid-19 Virus began, the Board of Directors and myself have strategized how to best handle our Pops Concert this year,” explained Symphony Conductor and Artistic Direct Ben Wade this week in a letter to the community.
According to Wade the organization has had numerous discussions on how to move forward, and strategically planned for several contingencies – including moving the date to later in June and hosting the concert outdoors so that proper spacing of patrons would give everyone peace of mind.
“However, at our Symphony Board meeting last night we learned that the Governor of the State of California has given no specific direction as to when performing arts concerts can be held again,” Wade said. “Our number one priority and concern is for the safety and well-being of our patrons… and with this being said we are going to have to postpone our Pops Concert until further notice.”
The Symphony’s Board is deep into the planning stages for next year’s concert series, and although they are unsure of what the restrictions for the State of California will be, Wade says that they are moving ahead with full steam.
“I know first-hand what an economic impact this virus has had and so for the 2020-2021 season only we have decided to reduce our concerts to one Saturday performance for each series. This
change is in an effort to reduce our operating expenses in the event that our economy does not get back on track due to the Covid virus’s disruption of local businesses and patrons.”
Wade says the symphony will continue to keep the community up to date through local media and postcard mailing.
If you have questions you can call the Susanville Symphony Hotline at 530-310-8111.
“Please stay safe. Stay healthy. Know we miss you and your smiling faces. Our hearts are warmed with each concert we produce and truly look forward to being together again soon.”
