Since the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, “ ‘It just feels like something’s missing,’ ” said Pacific Symphony board member and longtime audience member Joann Leatherby,” writes Sara Cardine in Friday’s (9/18) Los Angeles Times. “Earlier this month, leaders announced the entire 2020-21 Pacific Symphony concert season … would be postponed to 2021-22…. Organizers are meanwhile working to reimagine the season ahead…. On Sept. 30, at 8 p.m., thanks to a collaboration with KCET and PBS SoCal, fans can catch the debut episode of a four-part series ‘Southland Sessions Presents Pacific Symphony,’ featuring [archival performances], newly recorded original performances as well as artist and conductor interviews … hosted by Music Director Carl St.Clair. Symphony leaders are also collaborating with UC Irvine to determine how musicians might come together in small groups…. [Earlier this year] the organization secured $2.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans … that allowed musicians to continue to work virtually and on solo projects…. When the organization began to implement furloughs and staff cuts, Chief Executive John Forsyte and St.Clair both volunteered to reduce their pay 25%.”
