With government-mandated rules regarding the COVOD-19 pandemic evolving daily, event organisers have been left scrambling to make decisions with very little data and few assurances.

While most orchestras have made the hard choice to cut their losses and cancel concerts through to the end of the season, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has opted to take a wait and see approach.

The TSO had elected to commit to only cancelling events through March, but today have confirmed that all events through April will also be cancelled.

“Our approach to planning is a hopeful but realistic one,” said TSO CEO Matthew Loden. “We will only cancel performances when it becomes clear that the current status of the COVID-19 situation would not make performances possible.”

Events affected include:

• April 1, 2, 4 & 5, 2020 (Lisiecki Plays Beethoven’s Emperor)
• April 8, 9 & 11, 2020 (Gimeno, Yuja Wang & Brahms)
• April 14 & 15, 2020 (Classic Broadway: Rodgers & Hammerstein)
• April 26, 2020 (Symphonic Fairy Tales)
• April 29, May 1 & 2, 2020 (Oundjian Conducts Mahler)
• May 3, 2020 (TSYO 46th Season Finale)

The TSO will defer cancelling remaining May and June programming until later in April.

“It is our fervent hope to bring the live orchestral experience back to our audiences as soon as possible,” Loden said. “In the absence of live performances, I am incredibly proud of the recent video musical offerings by our exceptionally talented musicians.”

The TSO is offering ticket holders the choice of refunds, exchanging tickets for an upcoming performance in the current season, gift certificates, or donating the value of the ticket.

“I am saddened to miss the opportunity to be with all my friends at the TSO. While our hearts are all heavy in these unprecedented days, I hope all of you in Toronto are sustained by believing there will be better days ahead, filled with music,” said Gustavo Gimeno, incoming Music Director.

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Michael Vincent

Michael Vincent is the Editor-in-chief Ludwig Van and CEO of Museland Media. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 15 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star. Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto.

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