Sunriver Music Festival cancels August concerts, retains others
SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Joining a growing list of summer concerts cancelled by COVID-19 concerns, the Sunriver Music Festival Board has suspended its August concert series this year and is exploring innovative ways to continue bringing the magic of world-class music to Central Oregon.
Many programs are continuing. The Young Artists Scholarship program is thriving and 24 talented young applicants are actively preparing for their auditions and interviews at the end of May. The Young Artists Scholarship Concert remains scheduled for June 14, pending a final review of future COVID-19 policies. The Festival’s premier fundraising event, “Festival Faire”, planned for July 26th will be rescheduled and reimagined.
The suspended August concert series would have been the tenth and final season for Artistic Director & Conductor George Hanson. He was crafting a concert series celebrating the revolutionary impact of Ludwig van Beethoven featuring world-class soloists and the Festival Orchestra.
“We deeply regret not being able to share Maestro Hanson’s exciting programming and we’re sorry for the impact on our orchestra members,” states Operations Director Meagan Iverson. “But at this point, the reality is that large summer gatherings may not be allowed or advised under COVID-19 restrictions. The safety of patrons and performers must remain a top priority. We are shifting focus and looking toward the creative ideas emerging from all of us in these changing times.”
Iverson adds that the 43rd season is not going dark. The Fireside Series of concerts will continue, such as the Christmas Concert and the 2021 Valentine's Dinner & Dance. Also, the annual Piano Showcase at the Tower in Bend will return March 12-13, 2021
“Rest assured that Sunriver Music Festival continues its commitment to nurturing the next generation of artistic talent and to presenting world-class musical experiences in Central Oregon,” adds Festival Board of Trustees President Phillip Ruder.
Members that have purchased tickets for the summer concerts are being contacted by Festival staff. For additional information on the season, please call the Festival at 541-593-1084, email information@sunrivermusic.org or visit www.sunrivermusic.org.
