The Akron Symphony Orchestra has made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining performances in our 2019-20 season.

While everyone in the Orchestra was hopeful that we would be able to resume the current season, it is more important at this time to pursue the social distancing recommended by medical professionals and government officials to fight the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) that has transformed our country.

“While this is an end to the season no one could have anticipated, I feel tremendously excited about the future of the Akron Symphony,” said Music Director Christopher Wilkins. “I am deeply proud of the quality of our orchestra, and believe more than ever that our mission serves this community in vitally important ways. I eagerly anticipate our return as soon as possible, when we will once again be sharing the world’s greatest music with everyone.”

The decision to cancel the remainder of the season is particularly painful as music is a powerful source of comfort, healing and entertainment for many. This closing represents a profound loss to our loyal audience, our talented musicians and the institution. Given the evolving situation, we face many challenges.

“The mission of our organization – to enhance the quality of life of our community through education and musical excellence – has not changed, even if the means by which we must now accomplish this have changed,” said Executive Director Paul Jarrett. “The sense of shared purpose infused throughout this organization will ensure we are able to continue to engage our community in meaningful artistic endeavors throughout these challenging times.”

The following performances are cancelled:

• Appalachian Spring on March 28
• Akron Youth Symphony Spring Concert on May 3
• Concerts for Kids on May 5 through May 7
• Akron Symphony Chorus Concert on May 8
• Symphonic Dances on May 16

The Akron Symphony Spring Gala, scheduled for April 17, will still take place in a new, virtual format. More information about the Spring Gala will be available in the days to come.

We understand that these are difficult times for many people, but they also pose financial challenges to the Akron Symphony. If you are in a position to help all of us get through them, we ask that you please do so.

The following options are available to Akron Symphony subscribers and ticket holders:

Donate your tickets. If you are able to, please consider donating your tickets to the Akron Symphony and receive a tax deduction for the total ticket value. This option will help most in efforts to help fortify the Orchestra’s finances in this period of uncertainty. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Exchange your tickets for a Classic Series concert in the 2020-21 season. (Tickets will be mailed at a later date.)

Exchange your tickets for a gift certificate, which can be used at any time in the 2020-21 season.

Receive a refund  for the value of the ticket.

Ticket holders should contact the Akron Symphony before April 10, 2020, to request one of the above options. After that time, any outstanding tickets from the current season will be automatically converted into a monetary donation to the Akron Symphony and the ticket office will issue a letter detailing the gift for tax purposes.

To make the process as efficient as possible, we have set up a dedicated page on our website for ticket holders to make their selection. Requests will be processed as quickly as possible. Everyone involved appreciates the understanding of all ticket holders as all of these requests and questions are worked through and resolved.

We look forward to the time when the Akron Symphony can again perform live for you when we open the 2020-21 season. In the meantime, please follow our social media channels as we will bring you some new, short live performances from our musicians, along with recordings of past concerts, over the next few months.

Finally, please know that the Orchestra’s musicians, Music Director Christopher Wilkins, and everyone at the Akron Symphony are thinking of you.