Amid the COVID-19 threat, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic has canceled its last two ticketed concerts this season — the “Forrest and Brahms” performance on March 28 and the “Tchaikovsky” performance April 25.
And with both dates, the orchestra is asking ticket buyers to either consider their purchases a tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit ensemble or to receive a gift certificate for a concert for next season. The Philharmonic office will begin taking calls March 24 about the tickets at 812-376-2638 or people can email their decision to [email protected] since office staff is limited.
“It is your continued support through this crisis that will enable the CIP to continue to fulfill our mission — to bring the joy of quality music to the community,” said Tracy Haddad, the Philharmonic’s interim executive director, in a message to supporters.
Philharmonic Artistic Director David Bowden confirmed that these were the first cancellations in the professional orchestra’s 33-year history. He said he had no way to guess whether ticket buyers would choose a gift certificate, which could impact the orchestra financially.
“My very best answer at this time is, ‘We’ll find out in a month or so,’” Bowden said.
He already heard from one ticket holder who told him he felt sure most supporters would decline a reimbursement.
For now, the Philharmonic’s Cabaret at The Commons series shows slated for May 14 and June 18 are still scheduled, according to organizers. VIP tickets — seats closest to the stage — for those shows sold out long ago, but others still are available, according to the organization’s website at thecip.org.
Amid a measure of financial struggle and instability among orchestras nationwide the past several years, the Philharmonic has operated in the black since 2014. Its current budget, which includes nearly 20 percent for music education for area students (including scholarships for those without a means to pay, and a free program through NTN Driveshaft at Foundation for Youth), is just under $1 million annually.
Bowden has said for years that the orchestra and its work in Columbus and the surrounding areas is about far more than orchestral concerts. In fact, even at concerts since the early days, Bowden has spread the gospel of people playing an instrument for simple joy and pleasure.
And, as far as concerts go this season, the orchestra has enjoyed one of its best seasons for overall tickets sales and season ticket sales, according to Bowden. The ensemble last performed a week ago — the day before authorities began suggesting limited crowd gatherings to stop the coronavirus spread — for more than 2,500 students and others in three free concerts made possible by the Columbus Rotary Club and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic has cancelled the last two ticketed concerts of the season:
- The "Forrest and Brahms" performance on March 28.
- The "Tchaikovsky" performance April 25.
Philharmonic leaders will begin taking calls on Tuesday about ticket holders’ decision to trade tickets for a gift certificate for next season or to consider their purchase a tax-deductible donation.
Information: 812-376-2638 or [email protected].
Since orchestra staff is limited, they have suggested that email may be easiest and quickest for many ticket holders, especially those opting for the donation.
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