Due to COVID-19, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops have canceled their previously scheduled in-person concerts through January 3, 2021.
But that doesn't mean there won't be music: Both are moving to a livestream model and will be performing seven Live From Music Hall concerts instead of hosting public performances — four from the CSO and three from the Pops. All concerts can be streamed for free on the CSO's website and social media channels.
"It's more important than ever for us to be a resource for and accessible to our entire community, which is why we made the decision to make our seven Live from Music Hall digital events free," said CSO President Jonathan Martin in a release. "We are actively re-imagining our fall season and looking through the lens of diversity and inclusion as we showcase the exceptional talent and determination of the Orchestra and our artistic leadership."
The shows will feature "all-new material performed live and recorded by musicians from the CSO and Pops in accordance with safety protocols," with a full schedule being announced at the end of August. So far, the CSO has announced they will stream their first concert on Saturday, Sept. 26 and the Pops have announced one of their three shows will be a holiday program.
Here's what's been canceled:
The CSO has also had to cancel its 2020 European tour.
In addition to their Live From Music Hall series, the orchestras will also be offering smaller pop-ups throughout the city via CSO In Your Neighborhood, as well as virtual learning experiences for students. And continuing their Orchestra at Home series, so you can enjoy music and performances at home through Spotify, previous recordings and other video assets.
If you are a CSO or Pops 2020-21 season ticket holder or have purchased tickets to canceled concerts, you can call the CSO Box Office with questions at 513-381-3300. But, according to their website, here are the options:
Current Subscribers
Choose any of the four options listed below and you'll receive a Digital All-Access Pass, which includes advance and on-demand access to our Live From Music Hall concerts and behind-the-scenes bonus content featuring our artists. Plus, you'll maintain your subscriber seating priority for the 21/22 season. It's our way of saying THANK YOU for sticking with us.
Subscribers may choose to do the following:
- Donate the value of your 2020 tickets back to the Orchestra and receive a tax- deductible receipt.
- Hold the value of your 2020 tickets "on account" for use through Aug 2022.
- Transfer the value of your 2020 tickets to a gift certificate valid for 5 years.
- Move your entire subscription to the 21/22 season and reserve your spot for great music next year. We'll save your seats!
While we hope you will consider the other options listed above, partial and full refunds are available. Please give us a call at 513.381.3300 or send us a message at [email protected]. We're happy to work with your individual needs.
Single Ticket Holders
Single ticket holders for Coco, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi or any of our other Fall 2020 concerts, may choose to do the following:
- Donate the value of your tickets back to the Orchestra and receive a tax-deductible receipt.
- Transfer the value of your tickets to a gift certificate valid for 5 years.
- Receive a refund.
