The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to grow, but there is some good news out this week in the local arts world to report on as well, and we'll include that in our weekly update in this space as well.
First of all, I hope you are weathering the pandemic as best you can right now. It is not easy with all the bad news to deal with, but know there is help for those in need through your community and your network of friends; all you need to do is reach out.
Just announced moments ago, the Niagara Symphony Board Chair Brent Harasym along with Music Director Bradley Thachuk have jointly concluded the current season of the NSO will have to be cancelled due to the pandemic. As the FirstOntario PAC itself is closed until at least May 31st, that effectively wipes out the balance of the NSO's season.
So as of now, ticket holders of all remaining 2019/2020 season concerts will be impacted. As is the case with many arts organizations, the NSO is suggesting you donate your tickets for a charitable tax receipt. The losses incurred by many businesses will be hard to absorb and that's especially so for arts organizations.
However, if you wish not to do so, you can receive a gift certificate for the value of your remaining tickets to put towards the following season. They do ask you hold off on requesting that option until you are contacted directly by PAC box office staff at the end of April.
As for the upcoming season, the announcement of the new season starting in the fall will be put on hold for the time being, and it is hoped they can announce that sometime in May.
Meantime the Hamilton Philharmonic Board Chair Anne Tennier and Interim Executive Director Kim Varian have jointly announced the remainder of their current season, set to run until the end of June, will be cancelled. That includes all remaining MainStage concerts and Intimate & Immersive concerts as well as all community and education programs.
The Board has decided, however, in order to ensure their core musicians are supported as much as possible, they will continue to be paid for all April and May MainStage performances that have been cancelled. All administrative and artistic staff will also be retained as they plan for the upcoming season.
An email has already been sent out regarding next steps for all ticket holders for April and May MainStage concerts. Again, patrons have the option to donate the value of their tickets back to the organization for a charitable tax receipt or if desired, may request a refund. And those requests will be dealt with at a later date so they ask for patience in the interim.
As with the Niagara Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic will delay the new season announcement until later in the spring.
Finally, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre announced earlier this week they have appointed Colleen Smith as the organization's new Executive Director. The release this week states Ms. Smith will play a critical role in supporting the arts community as they deal with the effects of COVID-19.
Colleen Smith will start her new duties as of May 4th of this year.
This will be a difficult time to start a new position such as this, but it is important to have a full-time Executive Director in place before any further planning goes ahead for the new season rather than maintain an interim director and muddle through. Granted, many events for the new season will have already been booked, but with a sure hand at the controls for the future, the remainder of the planning can now go ahead.
Smith, who has over 12 years of senior management experience in performing arts centres including stints at Theatre Calgary, Massey Hall, Roy Thompson Hall and The Factory Theatre, succeeds the first Executive Director of the FirstOntario PAC, Steve Solski, who exited earlier this season.
That's it for this week. Keep washing your hands and practising social distancing, be patient with others and be ready to listen if someone in need needs help at this time. Together we'll get through this...
Have a good weekend!
April 4th, 2020.
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