THUNDER BAY – Due to the state of emergency called by Premier Ford, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra has cancelled all remaining concerts this season effective today.
TBSO President Linda Penner and Executive Director Gerald McEachern want the public to know that the Symphony is committed to returning to its performance schedule when it is deemed safe to do so by the Government of Ontario.
Today’s government orders only remain in force until March 31, however, the TBSO leadership acknowledges that there is no way to predict the progress of the health crisis. They believe the cancellation of the rest of the season is the most responsible way to ensure the well-being of their patrons, volunteers, staff, musicians and their families, and the public.
Penner and McEachern are asking patrons holding tickets to cancelled concerts to consider donating these unredeemed tickets back to the TBSO as tax-deductible donations.
The TBSO is offering two options to ticket holders:
1. Donating ticket(s) back to the TBSO and receive a charitable tax receipt
2. Requesting a refund for the ticket(s) affected by cancellations
The TBSO management has announced that, regrettably, it will not be able to transfer existing ticket purchases to next season. They are advising ticket holders NOT to contact the Auditorium Box Office at this time.
Instead, they are asking the public to fill in the form on the front page of the tbso.ca website. Alternatively, they can email response@tbso.ca or call 626.TBSO (8276).
“I can’t overstate the importance of donations right now,” McEachern says. “We are facing a serious revenue shortfall as we enter the summer when cash has always been tight. We will need all the help we can get to weather not only this health crisis but the financial challenges ahead.”
Penner and McEachern would like to thank their loyal patrons, and extend the TBSO board’s appreciation for their patience and understanding as they deal with this unprecedented situation, and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
