West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces Cancellation of Concerts due to COVID-19 Concerns

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (March 24, 2020) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) is cancelling all concerts through May 2 in response to the Centers for Disease Control’s advice to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks because of continuing concern about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“This is a challenging time for many industries as arts organizations, restaurants, small businesses and many others rely on the ability to interact in groups regularly,” said WVSO President Joe Tackett. “While the decision to cancel concerts is heartbreaking, our priority is the safety of everyone in the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra family and in the greater community.”

Concerts affected by the cancellation are:

• Music as Great Literature: March 14 at the Clay Center (Previously postponed)

• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Movie with Live Orchestra: March 28 at the Clay Center (Previously postponed)

• Carmina Burana: April 18 at the Clay Center

• A European Tour: May 2 at the Clay Center

Patrons who have already purchased tickets to these concerts have several options:

• Donate tickets. Patrons who do not request a credit on a 2020-2021 season subscription or exchange voucher by June 1 will receive a tax receipt in the amount of the corresponding ticket value and will be recognized in next year’s season program for their donation.

• Receive a credit on 2020-2021 season subscription.

• Exchange tickets for vouchers to be used for any WVSO single ticket purchase in the next five years.

Ticket exchanges can be made through the Clay Center Box Office at boxoffice@theclaycenter.org or at (304) 561-3570. For general questions, contact Amanda McDonald, marketing director, at amcdonald@wvsymphony.org or at (304) 957-9880.

As WVSO management continues to monitor updates and recommendations from local, state, and federal leaders, it will post the latest information on the symphony’s health and safety protocol as well as concert news, uplifting musical moments, and its 2020 raffle drawing on wvsymphony.org and its social media pages.

“The WVSO is grateful to each member of our musical family, including our donors and

patrons, for their generous spirit and dedication to our organization during this trying time,” Tackett said. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging and unexpected situation and we will continue to find ways to bring light during this difficult situation. We can’t wait to see everyone back in the concert hall as soon as we safely can.”

The WVSO is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 80th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.

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