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Indy Symphony cancels summer performances

(photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra)

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has canceled all performances through mid-September. The symphony says the decision was made in order to keep with “precautionary guidelines necessitated by the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The cancellation includes the last three concerts at the Hilbert Circle Theatre as part of the 2019-2020 Lilly Classical Series and Printing Partners Pops Series, the entire Kroger Symphony on the Prairie season, the Fifth Third Bank Lunch Break series and all other special performances.

“Our team has worked tirelessly throughout the year to plan a summer filled with engaging orchestral programs and vibrant touring acts,” Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said in a news release. “It is disappointing that we won’t be able to share these experiences with our community this year, but the safety of our musicians, staff, and patrons comes before all else.”

The symphony says it expects it will be several months before being able to gather for concerts in “reasonable numbers” due to ongoing physical distancing recommendations and crowd size regulations for various authorities.

“Even if concert restrictions are lifted mid-summer in the state’s reopening plan, the remaining guidelines combined with the infrastructure required for producing Symphony on the Prairie is so complex that presenting a partial season is not financially feasible,” the organization said.

The symphony says it is working with many of the artists scheduled to perform this summer to return next year. The 2020-2021 Hilbert Circle Theatre subscription series is still scheduled to begin as planned on September 18.