ERIE PHILHARMONIC SUSPENDS SEASON, WELCOMES EXTRAORDINARY MATCHING GIFT FOR TICKET DONATIONS
The Erie Philharmonic and its Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the Erie Philharmonic’s Rodgers & Hammerstein and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy concerts, the final two performances of their 2019-20 season. The orchestra’s Summer Soirée fundraiser that would have occurred this July has been postponed to Summer 2021, and the ‘Music of the Knights’ concert, slated for May 29 in the Erie Insurance Arena, has been postponed until Thursday, August 20, 2020.
Between both of the canceled events, over 4,000 people had tickets to these performances. It was a very difficult decision to end the season early and miss so many special moments that were slated for these next few months. At the same time, it was easy committing to keeping the staff, musicians, volunteers and patrons safe. Although these times are tough for all, we are excited and looking forward to continuing music in Erie, even if it may be different from what we originally planned.
“Right now, we’re looking to our community for the same support they have shown us for over 100 years to help us through this time of uncertainty. If you are a ticket holder for either of the canceled concerts, we ask you to consider donating your already-purchased tickets to the orchestra.
”Your support would also be instantly doubled as we have a generous individual in the Erie community who has graciously agreed to match every ticket donated dollar for dollar up to $100,000!”
Even with this unfortunate change to our remaining concerts, we are sincerely grateful for the ongoing support of our season and concert sponsors. In a gesture of solidarity, numerous corporate sponsors of the Philharmonic have agreed to continue their sponsorship of the canceled concerts.
“The support of these generous and understanding businesses and the many patrons in our audience is the key to our returning to the stage when we are safely allowed. Every one of us plays a role in bringing the orchestra back on stage. The music will return and when it does, we will be ready.”
While the orchestra is disappointed to make these cancellations, we’re planning a full season starting in the fall. We will remain ready to adapt should social distancing policies continue or other measures need to be taken.
“We are exploring many possibilities, but nothing is set in stone. We’ve looked into presenting concerts virtually as well as changing the seating map or adapting programming. We’re also preparing a list of precautions that would need to take place in the Erie Insurance Arena if audiences are allowed to come together. Right now, every option is on the table so we can have our orchestra back on the stage as soon as possible.”
From all of us at the Erie Philharmonic, we miss seeing you and can’t wait to be back on stage sharing live music with you again soon.
Ticket Information
Our Music of the Knights concert scheduled for May 29 is now postponed to Thursday, August 20, 2020. Ticket holders for this concert will be automatically moved to the August date. There is no need to contact the box office for this change unless you have specific questions.
The following concerts have unfortunately been canceled:
June 16 - Beethoven’s Ode to Joy
June 25 - Rodgers & Hammerstein in Concert
If you are a ticket holder for either of these canceled concerts, we ask you to please consider donating your tickets to the Erie Philharmonic for a tax-deductible donation for the total value of your tickets. Every donation will have a tremendous impact on the orchestra as we look to a future beyond this crisis.
Your generosity would be instantly doubled as we have a wonderful individual in the Erie community who has graciously agreed to match every ticket donated dollar for dollar up to $100,000! This support now has an exponential impact on the orchestra as we look to take the stage as soon as we are safely allowed. Please fill out the form below to have your tickets go towards this amazing match!
If donating your ticket(s) is not possible, we understand. Please contact the box office for more information on alternatives by June 30, 2020.
After 5pm on June 30, 2020, outstanding tickets for these three events will be considered non-refundable in accordance with our customary ticket policy.
Box Office Information
Open remotely Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
814.455.1375
info@eriephil.org
Ticket Donation Form
If donating your ticket(s) is not possible, we understand. Please contact the box office at 814.455.1375 for more information.
To receive a credit towards future purchases worth the value of these tickets, there is no action required. If we don’t hear from you, this credit will be applied to your account and may be used for any purchase when we come back to presenting ticketed-concerts again soon!