HAMILTON, ON – Out of concern for the health and safety of our patrons, musicians, volunteers and staff and with regret, the board of directors of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has cancelled its Mainstage concert Haydn’s London scheduled for March 14 at FirstOntario Concert Hall.
In doing so, the board of directors has carefully considered the risk assessment recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 outbreak.
Although provincial and municipal health officials have stressed that the current risk to the general population remains low, the board has made this difficult decision to ensure that our patrons are not put at increased risk. This decision reflects the HPO’s values as a responsible public institution and its commitment to the common effort to limit the opportunities for the virus to spread, especially in light of the size and demographics of its audience.
“Along with the potential health implications, as a leading community organization our Board, staff, music director and musicians strongly believe we also have a social obligation to do whatever we can to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19”, said Anne Tennier, chair of the Board of Directors.
Patrons with Haydn’s London tickets are able to exchange for tickets to one of our four remaining mainstage concerts this season or alternatively treat the cost of their Haydn tickets as a donation and request a tax receipt for the value of their ticket.
“We have made the decision to cancel out of an abundance of caution for our patrons and community,” said Kim Varian, Interim Executive Director of the HPO. “We will be honouring our commitments to pay our music director, musicians and staff who we have contracted for this concert. We take full responsibility for this decision, and we continue to support the City of Hamilton’s efforts regarding COVID-19.”
All other programming related to Haydn’s London including our Talk and Tea, Rehearsal Experience and Musical Moments has been cancelled as well.
The HPO sincerely appreciates the understanding and support of the community during this time and regrets the inconvenience and disappointment this decision will cause.
Until further notice, future Mainstage concerts will continue as scheduled. The HPO will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions with the health and safety of our patrons and musicians as its first priority.
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About the HPO: The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Media Contacts:
Christina Volpini
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Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org
Megan Nourse
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Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x211
mnourse@hpo.org