Charlotte Symphony cancels popular Summer Pops series over coronavirus concerns

The Charlotte Symphony confirmed Friday it has canceled its popular Summer Pops series.

The move occurred as the orchestra and the rest of the arts community continues to reel from the fallout over the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Between stay-at-home orders and the need for social distancing, most arts and culture groups have closed operations and canceled upcoming performances and events, incurring millions of dollars of financial losses.

Earlier this month, the symphony suspended its 39 concerts through June. The summer series is held annually on Sundays in June at Symphony Park.

While the symphony is looking to reschedule some of its concerts, interim executive director Michelle Hamilton said, “I am confident we won’t have any concerts at symphony park.”

The cost of suspending concerts from March 13 to the end of June is about $1.4 million, Hamilton said. Two-thirds of the orchestra’s annual $11 million budget comes from contributions.

“This is the time of year we get the greatest number of dollars,” Hamilton said. “Those gifts are even more important now than ever.”

‘Essential’ part of the community

Hamilton said she is hopeful the regular season will open in late September, with rescheduled concerts will help make up for some of the losses.

She said the organization is are looking for additional funding, including applying for federal aid and Small Business Association loans.

“The arts,” Hamilton said, “are essential to society and community.”

Americans for the Arts, a national arts advocacy group, released an economic impact survey with responses as of April 7. It shows over 1,000 North Carolina arts and culture groups have reported a loss of almost $9 million since the start of the pandemic. The same survey with 72 Mecklenburg County groups responding shows a loss of almost $1.7 million reported.

Discovery Place has laid off 75% of its staff, and the Mint Museum told the Observer recently it expects to lose at least $1 million.

Hamilton said there are no plans to cut any of the symphony’s staff of 84, including 58 musicians. Only part-time staff have seen reductions in their hours because the after-school program is closed.

For now, symphony lovers can go to its website at charlottesymphony.org/csoathome/and hear excerpts from past concerts, take in listening guides about the music history and watch local musicians creating videos “separately but together.” Full concerts are broadcast Fridays on WDAV radio.

This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 1:16 PM.