“As Spokane County finds itself stuck in the state’s reopening process, … the program previously announced for the Spokane Symphony’s 2020-21 season is no longer feasible,” writes Stephanie Hammett in Sunday’s (7/19) Spokesman-Review (Spokesman, WA). “But a new program, likely to be announced by the end of August, is developing … with some smaller-scaled performances and a new repertoire that will allow most or all members of the orchestra to get back on stage … during the season. ‘We have a whole set of performance concepts that are ready to go,’ Spokane Symphony executive director Jeff vom Saal said…. Conversations about performances in outdoor venues around Spokane are underway, as are talks about small group and solo performances in the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox. Musicians and administrators alike have been eager to build concerts and other event ideas accounting for socially distanced ensembles and limited audience, vom Saal explained…. While the orchestra remains furloughed, the symphony is covering 100% of the musicians’ health insurance premiums. During normal operation, they pay 50%. The symphony’s Musician’s Relief Fund has now raised a little over $100,000 since its founding in April…. ‘We have a really strong, supportive community, and that’s the difference,’ vom Saal said.”
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