Dear Olympia Symphony family,

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As a nonprofit arts organization, our primary role is to serve our community and enrich your lives. We take this responsibility very seriously. We believe in the power of music to unite communities and provide hope and strength in times of crisis and uncertainty.

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However, in light of the global pandemic of COVID-19, we recognize the threat that a physical gathering presents. For the health and safety of our patrons, musicians, and staff, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel our concert on March 15. It is our responsibility to protect the vulnerable and participate in the necessary community-wide effort to contain the spread of the virus. If you were a ticket-holder for this concert, you should have received an email with a link to indicate your preference for your ticket funds. If you did not receive this email, you may respond at this link. We are offering four options:

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• ​A donation of your ticket value to the Olympia Symphony, in order to sustain us during this difficult time

• A credit of your ticket value, to be applied toward a 2020-2021 Season Ticket purchase

• A voucher to be redeemed for a 2020-2021 concert ticket

• A refund of your ticket value

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Since March 15, additional social distancing regulations have been implemented in Washington State in order to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19. Because of these new mandates, our April 19 concert is cancelled. We are working to research opportunities to reschedule this concert. For now, ticket sales are suspended until we determine if and when we can reschedule. We will publish information for ticket-holders when a decision is made. If postponement does not prove to be an option, the four ticket options listed above will be made available to patrons, and your response will be solicited via email and electronic response. If you are not able to attend the rescheduled date we will work with you individually to accommodate your donation, credit, or refund preference.

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Like you, we have many questions as we navigate these uncharted waters. And like you, we are experiencing sadness in the absence of live musical performances. Please follow our facebook page for updates from our musicians and staff. We are committed to remaining engaged with our community and contributing to our communal well-being in whatever way we can during this period of uncertainty, fear, and isolation.

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If you have the resources, we ask that you consider a financial donation to the Olympia Symphony, and other arts organizations. The impact of cancelled events is significant for artists, venues, and organizers.

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During this crisis, let us not forget the power of the arts. We may not be able to have the experience side-by-side in the same room, but I encourage you to surround yourself with music. We need joy and beauty in our lives, now more than ever.

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With care,

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Jennifer Hermann

Executive Director

A message from the Music Director,

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Although I have several years remaining on my contract I have decided to make the 2019-20 Season my last one as the conductor of the OSO.  I have enjoyed 17 memorable and varied years with the OSO, having won the audition in 2003.  I have liked calling Olympia my home since 2006—but I want to spend more time with my ailing parents in my native Isles.  I am not sure if there is ever a right time to leave…but there is definitely a wrong time to stay; how I live is more important than what I do.  The Orchestra is playing really well, sounding fantastic and I’d like to think it has improved during my tenure.  However, it is time for someone else—a fresh voice with different tastes.  I shall miss the audience here—loyal, supportive and appreciative—and plan on working hard to make this Season a great one with our appealing programs and wonderful soloists.  This is definitely a negotiated-deal kind of Brexit!

Huw Edwards