Friends of Chamber Music
Cancellation of Fall 2020 Season
We have been advised by Vancouver Civic Theatres management that, although the Orpheum and Annex will open for virtual concerts this fall, the Queen Elizabeth complex is to remain closed.
This means that our fall concerts from the Szymanowski (October 20), Borodin (November 17), and Takács (December 1) quartets have been cancelled. As well, each group would need to quarantine for two weeks prior to performing as the artists are not considered essential workers.
At this time, there is no indication of what may happen in the spring. With the news on the virus so pessimistic, it is hard to feel optimistic, but we have not yet cancelled our spring concerts.
Regrettably, we have also had to cancel our Young Musicians Competition for 2020, and the 2021 competition is on hold until further notice. This is a great disappointment for us as it gives young musicians not only an opportunity to compete for prizes but also to play in front of an audience.
As I am an enthusiastic believer in live performances, I’m sharing a quote that I read in Atlantic Monthly by a pop artist about his loss of performance opportunities:
“The pandemic has reduced today’s live music to unflattering little windows that look like doorbell security footage and sound like Neil Armstrong’s distorted transmissions from the moon, so stuttered and compressed. There is nothing like the energy and atmosphere of live music. It is the most life affirming experience to see your favorite performer on stage, in flesh, rather than as a one-dimensional image glowing in your lap as you spiral down a midnight YouTube wormhole.“
Love the colourful language!
Best,
Eric Wilson
President
PS: If you have not yet received a tax receipt for cancelled concerts from the last season, please email us.
