“The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has cancelled or postponed all concerts through June 6, joining an ever-increasing list of arts organizations putting upcoming schedules on hold as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out,” writes Stuart Derdeyn in Monday’s (3/30) Stratford Beacon Herald (Canada). “June 6 was the final performance date in the VSO’s 2019-2020 subscription series. The orchestra ceased all live shows on March 13, and all orchestra members and staff will remain employed until April 12. After that date, all musicians and the majority of staff will be laid off. VSO senior management is taking a voluntary 50 per cent pay cut…. VSO School of Music President and CEO Angela Elster didn’t mince words in a press release announcing the decision to stay dark until June 6.… ‘The impact on the VSO and the culture sector is catastrophic. The VSO faces an immediate estimated shortfall of $3 million in ticket revenue.… We applaud the economic support already announced by government…. We look forward to playing a leadership role in reharmonizing and revitalizing our sector once the need for social distancing has passed. We will return better than ever. See you in the concert hall.’ ”
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