At the Topeka Symphony Orchestra’s season-opening concert on October 3, all musicians—including horn players—wore masks.
“Musicians with the Topeka Symphony Orchestra worried of a day when they would not have the opportunity to perform on stage due to the coronavirus pandemic,” reports Lindley Lund on Saturday (10/3) at TV station KSNT (Topeka, KS). “But on Saturday, their worries were avoided. The group performed their season-opening concert as part of the symphony’s 75th anniversary, at the Topeka Performing Arts Center…. ‘It was just a relief,’ said Bob Keckeisen, executive director and percussionist for the symphony. ‘It was the best thing that’s happened during the pandemic so far.’ … Every musician and attendee wore a mask during the performance, even those who played a wind instrument. The musicians also had their own music stands so they could stay six feet apart…. Tickets for the concert were limited so attendees were able to be socially distant [and] the symphony live-streamed the performance for season pass holders. The live stream is available for 72 hours following the performance. ‘This actually is a big step for classical music for those who don’t like or would rather sleep in the evenings,’ said Charles Tsui, a pianist for the symphony. ‘They can watch it anytime, anywhere.’ … The symphony’s next performance is scheduled for Nov. 14.”
