Sarasota Orchestra Postpones Scheduled Concert Season
Sarasota Orchestra's previously planned concerts from September 2020 through May 2021 will not be taking place.
Image: Shutterstock
The Sarasota Orchestra has become the latest arts organization to announce postponement and rescheduling of its season, meaning that previously planned concerts for September 2020 through May 2021 will not be taking place, including the usual lineup of Masterworks and Pops events.
Sarasota Orchestra president and CEO Joseph McKenna said in a message today, Aug. 31, that “the persistent impact of the current pandemic makes it clear that the year ahead will look very different for performing arts across the globe.” His message added that best efforts will be made to reschedule guest conductors, featured artists and programs to coming seasons.
Artistic advisor Jeffrey Kahane is “reimagining” a series of 12 to 14 smaller ensemble concerts in Holley Hall at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, beginning in November. Those concerts will include a variety of styles, and those performances will be available via streaming for home viewing. Details and ticket prices will be announced when the new programs are, in September.
Sarasota Orchestra artistic advisor Jeffrey Kahane is making plans for smaller ensemble concerts this season, as the orchestra’s original season schedule must change due to Covid-19.
Image: Courtesy Sarasota Orchestra
The orchestra decision follows the announcement last week by Asolo Repertory Theatre that it has postponed its season opener, Billy Elliot: The Musical, which was originally set to be presented beginning Nov. 21, 2020. Now, that show will be the fall musical opener of its 2021-22 season. Producing artistic director Michael Donald Edwards also announced the cancellation of Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of The Three Musketeers, which was originally scheduled to open the theater’s rotating repertory season in January 2021.
In a press release, Edwards said, “The scope and timing of our production simply cannot be accomplished while ensuring artist, staff and audience safety. That said, it is our dearest desire to move forward with the rest of our announced season of plays” including Our Town, Grand Horizons and two new musicals, Knoxville and Hood.
Like other organizations, Asolo Rep continues to build on its online platform during the pandemic, with such programming as Monday Musical Moments, Engage: On Air, Ground Floor: Making Musicals and more.
For complete details on the orchestra’s changes, visit sarasotaorchestra.org; for more on the Asolo’s season changes, go to asolorep.org.
