ISO Cancels Summer 2020 Performances
In keeping with precautionary guidelines necessitated by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces the difficult decision to cancel performances through September 17, 2020. This latest cancellation affects the last three Hilbert Circle Theatre concerts of the 2019-20 Lilly Classical Series, the full Kroger Symphony on the Prairie season, the Fifth Third Bank Lunch Break Series, and all other special performances.
Due to ongoing physical distancing recommendations and crowd size regulations from local, state and federal authorities, the ISO anticipates it will be several months before musicians and patrons can safely gather for concerts in reasonable numbers. Even if concert restrictions are lifted mid-summer in the state's reopening plan, the remaining guidelines combined with infrastructure required for producing Symphony on the Prairie is so complex that presenting a partial season is not financially feasible.
"Our teams has worked tirelessly throughout the year to plan a summer filled with engaging orchestral programs and vibrant touring acts," said CEO James Johnson. "It is disappointing that we won't be able to share these experiences with our community this year, but the safety of our musicians, staff and patrons comes before all else."
Concerts and series included in the cancellation are:
- Five Beethoven Concertos. Two Pianists. One Weekend. — May 28-31
- Beethoven's Missa Solemnis — June 5-6
- Mandy Gonzalez with the ISO — June 12-13
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert — June 27
- Disney in Concert: Beauty and the Beast — July 17-18
- All Kroger Symphony on the Prairie performances
- All Fifth Third Bank Lunch Break Series performances
Patrons with tickets for cancelled performances have several options, including:
- Ticket donation: Please consider a tax-deductible donation of the value of your ISO tickets. Your generous support is appreciated, as it allows the ISO to continue fulfilling our mission during these challenging times.
- Exchange: Hilbert Circle Theatre ticket buyers may exchange tickets for a gift certificate to be used for a future ISO ticket purchase or apply the value toward a subscription for the 2021 season.
- Value Pack Voucher Exchange: Symphony on the Prairie Value Pack holders may exchange their current Value Pack for 10 ticket vouchers to the 2021 40th season of Symphony on the Prairie performances.
- Value Pack Gift Certificate: Symphony on the Prairie Value Pack holders may exchange their current Value Pack for a gift certificate, which can be applied to any ISO performances through August 31, 2021.
Ticketholders may email the ISO box office at iso@indianapolissymphony.org by August 1, 2020, to determine their preferred action and assist with any other ticketing needs.
The ISO team is already working with many of the artists scheduled for summer 2020 to return next year. Kroger Symphony on the Prairie’s 2021 summer will include hits such as Face 2 Face; REVOLUTION: Music of the Beatles - A Symphonic Experience, conducted by Jack Everly; One Night of Queen; Who's Bad Music Presents: The Evolution of Pop; and the return of the ISO’s annual Fourth of July Celebration, Star-Spangled Symphony.
The 2020–21 Hilbert Circle Theatre subscription series are still planned to take place as scheduled, with concerts beginning September 18. Visit the ISO website to learn more about upcoming concerts including the conclusion of our BTHVN2020 celebration supported by the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, Broadway’s Heather Headley, Hoosier legend Sandi Patty hosting IPL Yuletide Celebration, and a string of emotionally curated programs to mark the end of Music Director Krzysztof Urbański’s tenure with the ISO. Programs for music lovers of all ages and interests continue on the schedule with the Bank of America Film Series and the Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony Series.
ISO musicians and staff will collaborate on exciting projects to engage our community throughout our summer hiatus. From the Vault broadcasts—weekly virtual concerts featuring favorite performances from the ISO archives—will continue through the summer, along with a variety of other virtual performances and content featuring the talented musicians of the ISO. To stay up to date on the ISO’s digital activities, visit our new blog – in unISOn– and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
“While this is an unfortunate and unavoidable setback, the ISO plans to come back from this hiatus to serve our community in profound ways,” said Board Chair Yvonne Shaheen. “We will use this time to reimagine how our concerts and education programs can reach a larger and more diverse audience when we return to performing. The Board of Directors is committed to ensuring that the ISO remains a vital cultural asset to the city and state.”
The ISO recognizes the steadfast support of additional sponsors of our core series including Barnes and Thornburg and OneAmerica on the Pops Series, Salesforce on the Classical Series, Huntington Bank on Symphony on the Prairie, and Honda on the Happy Hour at the Symphony Series.
Members of the community interested in supporting the ISO’s efforts to recover from the financial hit of the COVID-19 outbreak are encouraged to visit www.indianapolissymphony.org/donate to find more information about making a financial contribution to the orchestra.
Still have questions?
Please visit ISO's Concert Cancellation FAQ page here for any additional information.
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