Earlier in September, the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) made the foregone yet still painful decision to abandon their spring programming.

It means two recitals, two chamber performances, two main stage concerts, an Australian Series performance, as well as numerous community programs throughout October and November have been cancelled.

Orchestra CEO Rachel Thomas told Canberra Daily it was a difficult decision after doing everything they could to keep the doors open prior to lockdown being called on 12 August.

“We had a series of near misses earlier in the year in relation to border closures and we, of course, had concerts affected in one small way or another but were still able to put them on,” Thomas said.

Even with health restrictions set to ease throughout spring, the limitations on audience capacity and rehearsal spaces would create “a lot of logistical issues” for the Orchestra.

“As the lockdown continued with the uncertainty about the reopening, it became pretty obvious to us that within the timeframes we had, it would be impossible to put on a viable set of concerts between now and November,” she said.

Thomas remains optimistic the Orchestra’s 4 December Summer Prom outdoors concert will go ahead.

“We’re really hopeful things will start opening up in December,” she said, “and this will be something special that the Canberra community can engage in.”

In the interim, Orchestra management is working with their musicians to create a suite of digital programming to be announced in the coming weeks, while work continues behind the scenes to establish their youth chamber orchestra.

They are currently working remotely with Orchestra chief conductor and artistic director Jessica Cottis to finalise the programming for the digital offering.

Thomas said the digital offering has been made possible by a “huge number” of audience members donating the cost of their tickets rather than requesting a refund.

“We’re really grateful,” she said. “That is something we have learnt in the previous lockdown as well, that connection – our audience misses the Orchestra when there’s cancellations and vice versa.”

“We take the wellbeing of our musicians very seriously,” Thomas said. “At this point in time it’s very difficult, the musicians can’t get together to play at all.”

Orchestra musicians eager to return to stage

For Orchestra concertmaster Kirsten Williams, things have not slowed down during lockdown.

Between communicating with the other musicians, doing a pilot program for women in music for the ANU, and preparing to launch the Orchestra’s 2022 season next month, Williams has had her hands full.

“We’re really looking forward to doing what we can do as opposed to what we can’t do, and that’s a crucial thing,” she told Canberra Daily.

“We were on such a wonderful roll before we were shut down earlier in the year and everyone is just busting to get back on stage for our audience.”

Currently in the “very early stages” of putting together the digital series, Williams said the Orchestra has been looking at “innovative and creative ways to connect with audience” through playing, interviews, and more.

“A lot of thought is going into that,” she said. “We’re in the early stages but about to start rolling.”

With many Orchestra members biding their time by teaching over Zoom, keeping their practice up and staying in touch with one another, Williams said there is an inevitable sense of sadness about the cancellations.

“Everybody’s disappointed, there’s no getting around that,” she said. “Everybody’s doing what they can do for the students, for each other and just staying in contact.

“And before we know it, we’ll be back on stage so we’re just looking forward to those times.”

Williams said it would be a dream for her, the whole orchestra, and their loyal supporters to put 2021 behind them with a successful Summer Prom in December in the stunning grounds of Government House.

“It would be really something special for us to just wrap up the year, something fun in the summer atmosphere that’s joyous for everybody really, and particularly after the two years we’ve had,” she said.

Anyone who would like to attend the 4 December Summer Prom performance is encouraged to purchase their tickets now via cso.org.au

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