The Akron Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce the ASO Interlude Season – Akron Symphony’s Gift to the Community, which is designed to share free music throughout the Northeast Ohio community.

The season, which will run from August 2020 through May 2021, will feature ASO artists performing live, small-ensemble music experiences with a wide variety of community partners. The previously announced 2020-21 concert season has been moved forward to the 2021-22 season.

“The Interlude Season will ensure that the Orchestra continues to fulfill its mission to the community by providing unprecedented access to music,” said Paul Jarrett, Executive Director.

Thank you to our Partner Organizations: Akron Art Museum, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Akron Public Schools, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Akron Zoo, International Institute of Akron, Jilly’s Music Room, Love Akron, Mustard Seed Market & Café, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Summa Health, Summit County Historical Society, Tuesday Musical Association

During the season, ASO musicians will provide free performances with numerous collaborative partners, including the Akron Art Museum, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Akron Public Schools, Akron-Summit County Public Library, the Akron Zoo, International Institute of Akron, Jilly’s Music Room, Love Akron, Mustard Seed Market & Café, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Summa Health, the Summit County Historical Society, and Tuesday Musical Association.

“I’m tremendously excited about the Interlude season. I do mourn the loss of a full orchestra season. But ironically, it gives us the chance to do a great many things we’ve always wanted to do,” said Music Director Christopher Wilkins. “Our greatest asset is the creativity of our musicians, and this new plan allows us to utilize their skills in an extraordinary variety of ways.

“There’s no question that our community needs music right now. It needs the comfort, healing, joy, and sense of togetherness that music offers like nothing else. We look forward to the coming months as we work with our community partners—both familiar and new—to share our gift of music throughout Northeast Ohio. We hope that in this way we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

In addition, the Orchestra will develop digital content, including educational programs designed for classroom teachers, music teachers and adult education that will be accessible at no charge through our website and social media channels.

“On behalf of the working musicians of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra Committee would like to thank Executive Director Paul Jarrett, our management, Board of Trustees, Local 24, and the American Federation of Musicians for enabling a collaborative environment to help create this innovative plan to enrich the lives of our Akron community,” said Rob Kistler, Orchestra Committee Chair and Principal Percussionist. “We look forward to the opportunity to reach out to all areas and demographics of the City of Akron and Northeast Ohio, and are honored to share our gift of music during these unprecedented times.”

ASO patrons and subscribers who currently have tickets for the 2020–21 season will have their subscriptions moved to the 2021–22 season automatically, ensuring their seats for when the Orchestra returns to performing at E.J. Thomas Hall. 

If you would like to become a community partner during our Interlude Season, or to make your own suggestion as to where you would like to hear us perform, please fill out and submit the form below. For any other questions, please contact the Symphony Office by email at asoconnect@akronsymphony.org or by phone at 330.535.8131.