Jacksonville Symphony President & CEO Steven Libman announced April 20 symphony musicians and staff will continue to receive full salaries and benefits through the end of the season regardless of concert cancellations.
To date, the Symphony has had to cancel 16 concerts in its 2019-2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerts occurring in mid-May and June are still scheduled to take place, though additional State and City mandates may have an impact.
“We are incredibly thankful for the continued support from our donors and our community that has allowed us to keep the salaries and benefits of our musicians and staff unchanged,” says Libman. “These are truly difficult times, and almost no industry remains untouched by this crisis. To our patrons who have donated back their purchased tickets or supported us through a new or increased gift: thank you. The Jacksonville Symphony is here to enrich the spirit of Jacksonville through symphonic music, and because of the generous support from our patrons, we will continue to do so when we are able to return to Jacoby Symphony Hall.”
“There are many organizations who have had to make difficult decisions about the salaries and benefits of their artists,” says Board Chair David Strickland. “We are proud to be in a position where we can continue supporting our musicians and staff in this time of crisis.”
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Jacksonville Symphony could potentially lose $500,000 in ticket sales by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Although unable to perform on the Jacoby Symphony Hall stage, the Symphony continues to find new ways to engage the Jacksonville community through the streaming of concerts every Friday night.
Multiple streaming concert performances remain in the organization’s new on-line series. Presented on Friday evenings at 8 p.m., patrons can find both new, pre-recorded ensemble performances, as well as previously recorded performances by the full orchestra. Patrons can still find the concerts on the Symphony’s Facebook page, YouTube Channel or website. Symphony musicians are also sharing at-home content that can be viewed on the Symphony’s social media channels.
Last week, the Symphony announced its 2020-21 season, providing the community with concerts to look forward to in the fall. More information can be found on the website at www.JaxSymphony.org or by calling the box office at (904) 354-5547.
To support the Jacksonville Symphony during this difficult time patrons can: donate previously purchased tickets or make a donation through the website, www.JaxSymphony.org.
Patrons can also receive additional information about the Jacksonville Symphony via social media, and the web site, where patrons can sign up to be added to the email list.
