VSO changes its tunes in response to latest COVID wave
Steven Page concert rescheduled to spring; new programming in January to increase physical distancing on-stage
IF THERE’S A word that encapsulates COVID-era arts programming, it’s dynamic. In response to ever-shifting public-health measures and people’s comfort and safety, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has announced some changes to its January lineup to keep artists, staff, and audiences healthy.
Given that large symphonic pieces call for many musicians, VSO has changed the programming of two of its January concerts to allow for increased physical distancing on stage.
The 21 to 23 Symphonie fantastique concert is now entitled Beethoven’s Eroica. The performance will include Martin’s Ballade for Flute, Strings & Piano, Wijeratne’s Polyphonic Lively, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”.
The January 28 and 29 concert, Chopin, Fauré, & Bologne, meanwhile, will feature Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Bologne’s Symphonie No. 2, and Pelléas et Mélissande by Fauré.
Soloists Christie Reside, VSO principal flute, and pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin will remain for Martin’s Ballade and Chopin’s Piano Concerto, respectively.
“While we are sad to postpone performances of Berlioz and Ravel’s masterworks, keeping our orchestra members safe is our top priority,” VSO music director Otto Tausk said in a release. “We are excited to have the fantastic and versatile musicians of the VSO perform Beethoven’s powerful Eroica symphony and the magical music of Fauré, full of wonderful French colours.”
Steven Page and the VSO have mutually agreed to reschedule his concerts that were originally to take place this month to March 12 and 13. (Current ticketholders will retain their seats for the new dates.)
The organization has also announced that, in alignment with audience capacity of 50 percent as ordered by Dr. Bonnie Henry, parties from within the same bubble can request to sit together, and there will be comfort spacing of two seats between all ticket orders. And in addition to mandatory masks for everyone aged five and up, all concerts in January will run without an intermission to minimize movement within the Orpheum Theatre.
All attendees aged 12 and over must show proof of vaccination.
Tickets and more details are at VancouverSymphony.ca.
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