The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale has announced venues in the East Bay for its Saturday and Sunday concert series, following the September 30 fire at First Congregational Church in Berkeley, California. With one exception—November 5—all Saturday concerts will now take place at First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, diagonally across the street from First Congregational. The November 5 performance will take place at Hertz Hall on the campus of UC Berkeley. All Sunday concerts will take place at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, home to PBO’s subscription series concerts. Last week, the orchestra reported that while there was “significant damage” to Plymouth Hall, there was minor smoke and water damage in the Sanctuary, where Philharmonia Baroque performs. First Congregational Music Director Derek Tam noted, “The Sanctuary piano is in good shape, and on initial inspection, many of the organ divisions look intact.” Assessments of damage and plans for repairs are ongoing. The fire also displaced several other local music organizations, which are currently seeking replacement concert venues.
Posted October 12, 2016
