Republic file photo Columbus Symphony Music Director Josh Aerie leads the orchestra at a rehearsal.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra has canceled its Feb. 20 concert. “Hometown Talent,” that was slated for The Commons because of the continued growth of COVID-19 cases locally.
Board president Rachel Wilken made the announcement in an email.
“The decision to cancel the concert and rehearsals was made at an emergency meeting of the CSO Board of Directors and music director (Josh Aerie) out of concern for the health and safety of CSO members, their families, and all who associate with our organization,” Wilken said.
She added that rehearsals are scheduled to begin on March 1 for the April 24 concert for the mostly volunteer ensemble.
“Leadership will keep a close eye on the status of the virus, and health and safety guidelines, in anticipation of returning at that time,” Wilken said.
Symphony leadership is working to create an alternative means “to publicly showcase musical talent in our community and from within our orchestra,” Wilken said.
For now, the orchestra has decided that a virtual event March 27 will be presented instead of the originally planned, in-person concert.
All other concerts this season are still planned to occur in-person, according to Wilken.
“We are hopeful that the COVID-19 situation will become more stable as we enter the spring,” Wilken said.
The symphony is considered to be among the oldest continuous such organizations in the state. The orchestra is always open to the possibility of new musicians, especially strings players.
