Media Release
For Immediate Release

Calgary Philharmonic cancels fall lineup, but plans to keep
the music playing
Calgary Alta. (June 25, 2020) – The Calgary Philharmonic has cancelled more than 35 concerts
scheduled from September to December 2020. Instead, the Orchestra will reinvent its fall
performances to fit within provincial health and safety guidelines, whether that means presenting
them live or online. The goal is to return to regular concerts starting in January 2021.
“We're encouraged by the progress our community has made in preventing the spread of
COVID-19, but as the province begins the reopening process, arts groups like ours are facing thereality that we won’t be able to enjoy a full house in our venues for some time,” says Paul Dornian,President and CEO of the Calgary Philharmonic. “We remain committed to performing music forour community, but for now we need to change the way we present it.”
The cancelled performances include all regular, education, and outreach concerts, as well as open
rehearsals, from 11 September 2020 up to and including 16 December 2020. Several factors wereinvolved in this decision: recommendations from government and public health officials on physicaldistancing; ongoing restrictions on large gatherings and non-essential travel; and potential policies
and procedures at Jack Singer Concert Hall as required by Arts Commons.
In keeping with the recommendations surrounding choral performances, the Calgary Philharmonicis also replacing any repertoire featuring the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus at other concerts during
the 2020/2021 Season, including Mozart's Requiem (5 + 6 March 2021) and Vaughan Williams’ A
Sea Symphony (30 April + 1 May 2021), and will find different ways to engage and showcase thechorus during this time. Calgary Phil performances with Calgary Opera and Alberta Ballet at theJubilee Auditorium have also been cancelled.
“We realize this news is as disappointing for you as it is for us, but the provincial timeline forreopening remains uncertain and we need to give our audience members, musicians, guest artists,staff, and volunteers the time they need to plan ahead,” says Dornian. “As soon as the concert hallshut down in March, we started planning for a safe return that prioritizes everyone’s health andwell-being. When the time is right to bring the full Orchestra back onstage and welcome a fullhouse back into the concert hall, we’ll be ready. Until then, we’ll continue to find other ways to keep
the music playing — stay tuned.”
The Calgary Philharmonic is working on new plans for the fall and details will be revealed as soon
as possible. Subscribers who purchased tickets to fall concerts will have the full value returned
through their choice of a refund or credit. For more information visit www.calgaryphil.com.
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About the Calgary Philharmonic
The Calgary Philharmonic celebrates 65 years as a pillar of Calgary’s vibrant arts community in2020 and has grown to be one of Canada’s most celebrated live music ensembles. Led by Music
Director Rune Bergmann, the Calgary Philharmonic presents classical masterworks, pop favourites,bold collaborations, and cutting-edge new works, and attracts world renowned guest artists anddynamic conductors. The Orchestra welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually and, in 2017, launched
its live-stream initiative — an immersive, digital concert experience for audiences around the world.
Follow the Calgary Philharmonic @calgaryphil on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and register foremail updates at calgaryphil.com/newsletter.