“The very nature of the COVID-19 crisis … makes it the greatest challenge the performing arts in the U.S., as we know them, have ever faced,” writes Paul Helfrich, executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, in Sunday’s (7/5) Orlando Sentinel (FL). “We are working hard to reinvent ourselves and continue meeting our mission of enriching and inspiring our community through the transformative power of music…. Educational opportunities include virtual lessons by Philharmonic musicians…. We’ve offered a number of our past performances for streaming, with commentary by Music Director Eric Jacobsen [and] in a new partnership with WMFE 90.7 HD2, we are now offering ‘OPO on the Air,’ a series of full concerts…. We know there is no substitute for live performance…. Putting safety first, we are committed to bringing live music back as soon as it is possible … We urge you to keep informed … but we also suggest that you give yourself an occasional respite from the news of the day. Take time to listen to music…. It’s a reminder that life will go on, and why life is worth living…. Please wear a mask, and we look forward to seeing you at our next concert … hopefully very soon.”
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