CLEVELAND — *Editor's Note: The video above is from programming that aired on May 11.
The Cleveland Orchestra has decided to cancel all of its 2020 Christmas Concerts as Coronavirus cases surge across the state.
The series was slated to take place at Severance Hall on December 10 through December 23.
“As we all follow the alarming news of increased numbers of positive Covid-19 cases across the entire state of Ohio and the country, please know that our priorities lie with ensuring everyone stay safe during this awful time,” said André Gremillet, President & CEO of The Cleveland Orchestra.
He went on to explain that while cancelling the long-standing tradition is sad, it's best for the health and safety of the audience, musicians, staff and volunteers, which must come first.
“Canceling our Christmas concerts is just another very small example of how our world in 2020 has turned us all upside down. The decision to cancel the concerts while not easy, but has become obvious. It is so unfortunate as we all know how much these concerts are a cherished, holiday season tradition for our community," he continued.
Gremillet released a video Wednesday on YouTube discussing the decision. You can watch the video in the player below.
The following options are available to ticket holders for the 2020 Christmas Concerts:
- Donate tickets. Please kindly consider donating tickets back to The Cleveland Orchestra and receive a tax receipt for the total ticket value. This option would be tremendously helpful in our efforts to lessen the huge financial impact this crisis is already having on The Cleveland Orchestra. Ticket donations can be made at: clevelandorchestra.com/donatetickets. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
- Exchange tickets for a gift certificate. Gift certificates are non-refundable, but can be used at any time in the future, including during the pre-sale for 2021 Christmas Concerts.
- Receive a refund for the value of the ticket(s).