Dear Friends and Patrons of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra,

We hope that this email finds you healthy and safe. The past four months have not been easy in any respect. It has been more difficult for some than for others. We pray that you are coping successfully with whatever circumstances you are facing. We are communicating with you today to brief you on the situation at the CSO. You are a valued supporter of the orchestra and its work. We want you to know our thinking regarding the possible resumption of our performance activity.

It was with great sorrow that, early last March, we had to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season. That decision turned out to be the proper one. At that time it was our hope to return to business as usual in September 2020. However, as the months passed, it became clear that such a hope was unrealistic. We are now in the process of making plans to resume playing beginning in February of 2021.  As you might expect, we are also making backup Plans B and C in case February is not possible.

Our absolute primary concern is that we be able to perform in an environment that is safe for our audience and orchestra alike. This would probably include the basic requirements for social distancing, mask-wearing, and whatever other safety measures deemed necessary by you, by the CSO, and by the RiverCenter. 

It is our hope that sometime in the fall it will become more clear about what form of resumption our season might take. When we feel comfortable offering this season to you, we hope that you will rejoin us as joyfully as we will perform for you.

The performing arts are in distress everywhere. The seeming unpredictability of the situation certainly complicates the effort to make sound decisions with any degree of certainty. In the meantime, we want you to know that we appreciate your support, that we will work hard to deserve it, and that we will do nothing to compromise the safety of either our audience or our orchestra.

Thank you for your time and kind attention. Be safe…stay well.

P.S. Personally, we can't start playing soon enough. I can't get my cats to sing together and my wife isn't speaking to me.

Sincerely yours,

George Del Gobbo

Music Director and Conductor