While it doesn’t come as a big surprise, the news is still disconcerting. The Kansas City Symphony has canceled all remaining concerts in the 2019/20 season due to ongoing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Symphony hopes to resume a full performance schedule this fall for its 2020/21 season. Originally, the Symphony canceled more than 20 concerts and events through May 10.
“While canceling the rest of the season is a decision we do not take lightly, it is undoubtedly necessary in order to do our part in limiting the spread of coronavirus,” executive director Danny Beckley explains. “We care deeply about our audiences, musicians and staff, and we have their health and safety in mind. The entire organization yearns for live symphonic music, and we look forward to being together again in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. And, now more than ever, we need the community’s support.”
These new cancellations affect the following Kansas City Symphony concerts through June 21, 2020:
Canceled:Â May 13-14, Film + Live Orchestra: The Red Violin in Concert featuring Joshua Bell
Canceled:Â May 15-17, Frank and Ella, Together Again
Canceled: May 20-21, Symphony Contributors’ Concerts
Canceled:Â May 24, Bank of America Celebration at the Station
Canceled: May 27, At the Movies: From Mao to Mozart — Isaac Stern in China
Canceled: May 29-31, Beethoven’s “Pastoral”
Canceled:Â May 30, Petite Performance: Musical Moods
Canceled:Â June 3, At the Movies: Humoresque
Canceled:Â June 5-7, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Tree of Dreams
Canceled: June 19-21, Beethoven’s Ninth
Meanwhile, the updated list of cancellations also impacts the Kansas City Symphony’s 18th annual Bank of America Celebration at the Station that was set for Sunday, May 24 in front of Union Station and the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. As one of the largest free outdoor events for Memorial Day weekend in the Midwest, with crowds averaging 50,000 people, the Symphony was understandably concerned about holding the annual event during the coronavirus pandemic.
As a performing arts nonprofit, the organization relies on revenue from ticket sales and philanthropic contributions from the community. The Symphony is asking patrons to please consider returning back the value of their tickets as a tax-deductible contribution. “Your generosity will allow us to keep the music going for many years ahead,” Beckley says.
Ticketholders who wish to donate their tickets should visit the Symphony website to submit an online donation form. Those who donate will receive a tax receipt in the mail. For additional questions or ticket needs, contact the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400, Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.