Eugene Symphony postpones remaining 2019/20 concerts

In the meantime, virtual concert reaches thousands of viewers across the state and beyond

EUGENE, OR (April 28, 2020) — In these uncertain times amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Eugene Symphony is continuing to plan for the future, with the health and safety of its musicians, staff, patrons, and the community at the forefront of its decision-making. The organization remains committed to rescheduling concerts rather than cancelling them outright, in order to provide stability for musicians and staff, while also offering hope for the future and something for the community to look forward to.

After careful consideration of statements made by health officials and government authorities, as well as decisions made by partner organizations and other arts groups across the state, the Eugene Symphony Board of Directors along with artistic and administrative leadership have come to the difficult decision to postpone all remaining concerts in the 2019/20 season with new dates to be announced soon. 

This includes:

• May 14 – Bolero, as originally scheduled at the start of the season
• May 30 – Rachmaninov’s Second, rescheduled from March 19
• June 20 – Beethoven’s Fifth, rescheduled from April 23
• June 21 – Peter & the Wolf Family Concert, rescheduled from April 26

Patrons with tickets for these concerts should retain them for use on the rescheduled dates later this year, to be communicated as soon as new dates are confirmed. Alternatively, patrons may choose to donate the value of their ticket(s) as a tax-creditable contribution to the Eugene Symphony. To utilize this option, contact the Hult Center Ticket Office in one of the following ways: call 541-682-5000 from 12 – 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Friday or email HultCenter@ci.eugene.or.us (response time is approximately 24 hours). 

“While this is not an easy decision for us to make, we believe it is the right one,” says David Pottinger, president of Eugene Symphony’s Board of Directors. “It prioritizes our community’s well-being, which is fundamental to our mission of enriching lives through the power of music.”

“These are certainly difficult circumstances for our orchestra, and many others across the world,” says Music Conductor & Director Francesco Lecce-Chong. “As much as it breaks the hearts of my colleagues and myself to not be rehearsing and performing music for you in person right now, the safety of society must come first. In the meantime, in keeping with the Eugene Symphony’s legacy of innovation, we stay committed to using technology and all available means to bring beauty, hope, and comfort to our community.”

Until large gatherings can safely resume, Eugene Symphony will continue to provide digital engagement opportunities, including online events and broadcasts on KWAX and KLCC. More than 1,450 households from all over the state, plus several other states and even viewers outside the U.S., tuned into Saturday’s premiere of the free, on-demand streaming video recording of Eugene Symphony’s sold-out performance from February 2018, “The Four Seasons of the McKenzie River.” The video is available at eugenesymphony.org/watch until June 9.

At this time, no decision has been made whether Eugene Symphony will hold its annual series of free, outdoor summer concerts – typically at Eugene’s Cuthbert Amphitheater, Cottage Grove’s Bohemia Park, and Roseburg’s Stewart Park – though they may be later than in previous years or may not be possible at all. Eugene Symphony’s 2020/21 season is still anticipated to begin in the fall. Details will be announced to subscribers soon.

Eugene Symphony will continue to monitor official news from government and health authorities and remain in discussion with event partners about the possibility of these events and will provide updates as circumstances evolve.

“I’d like to thank our musicians, Board of Directors, staff, and the Eugene Symphony Guild who have all been so understanding and collaborative during this extraordinary time, as well as our donors, subscribers, and the community at large for their outpouring of support,” says Executive Director Scott Freck. “I am buoyed by knowing we are not alone in any of this – far from it. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate these uncharted waters.”

For details about online events and radio broadcasts, subscribe to Eugene Symphony’s enewsletter at the bottom of the home page ofeugenesymphony.org or follow Eugene Symphony at facebook.com/EugeneSymphony

About Eugene Symphony 

Now in its 54th season, the Eugene Symphony is a nonprofit and 83-member orchestra based in Eugene, Oregon. Led by Music Director & Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong, Eugene Symphony reaches more than 40,000 adults and children annually with live music performances. Recognized as a cornerstone of the performing arts in Oregon’s southern Willamette Valley, Eugene Symphony pursues its mission of enriching lives through the power of music by presenting annual classical and pops concerts, as well as music education and community engagement programs, regularly commissioning and premiering new American works, and disseminating its performances via radio broadcasts and recordings. More at eugenesymphony.org.