by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – The Performing Arts have experienced some of the hardest hits of the pandemic, with venues closed and performances cancelled or delayed. The Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra is no exception.
The 101st season of the state’s longest continually-operating orchestra made it through four of its scheduled six concerts when the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of it’s March 14th concert, themed “Flight”, and eventually lowered the curtain on the final event in May which, in a strange twist of fate, was titled “Hope”. Although the past season was ended prematurely, plans for the next were already being laid with the search for a new Music Director – which continues today – and last month SSO member Molly Lieberman was named Concert Orchestra Director for the Sheboygan Area Youth Symphony with optimism that things would get better. But even as improvisation is fundamental in music, the SSO is finding it necessary in business as well, and yesterday the orchestra announced the postponement of all performances through the end of December 2020.
In taking that step the SSO hopes to present all four concerts in 2021, and is finalizing new dates with the four Music Director candidates. The organization said it’s still assessing opportunities to “safely provide extraordinary musical experiences throughout the Fall and early Winter and will provide updates regarding dates and ticketing as soon as possible.”
Still, no concerts for now means no income and the SSO says it will require the generosity of supporters to make it through to the 103rd season beginning later next year. Those interested in helping can visit a donation page that’s been set up through JustGiving.com.
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