Violins of Hope postponed
Earlier this week, we shared with you the disappointing news that we were forced to postpone both the Laby Harmony Luncheon and our Symphonic Adventures. Now, as the coronavirus continues to play havoc on our daily lives, we must sadly report that we are also forced to postpone next month’s Violins of Hope concerts.
While postponing a concert is in no way comparable to the tragedy many of our fellow citizens are confronting regarding their own health and the health of their families, it is nonetheless a tragic disappointment in its own right. These concerts were to feature select musicians performing on a collection of string instruments lovingly restored and with their own stories from the Holocaust – many that were played in concentration camps. And as the only Ventura County orchestra performing on these rare instruments, these concerts had the potential to increase the New West Symphony’s name and reputation throughout our community — both through our scheduled concerts in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo as well as through a handful of “special” performances that were planned with local co-sponsors, including the Ronald Reagan Library.
It goes without saying that the health and well-being of our audience members, musicians, and staff are our highest priority, and postponing these concerts is the best course of action for our community. At the same time, the postponement of these events and the uncertainty of their rescheduling will have a significant negative financial impact for our organization. As our symphony confronts these heartbreaking realities, many of our supporters have kindly asked “what can I do to help?” Here are a few things:
- If you already have tickets to Violins of Hope, either through season subscription or individual ticket purchase, please be patient and bear with us as we sort out the details and look for possible dates to reschedule. Your understanding is very much needed and appreciated.
- If you haven’t yet renewed your subscription for our 2020/2021 season, please do so right away rather than waiting until the April 20 deadline. Your subscription renewals will help us tremendously in planning the next steps for the Symphony.
- If you love the symphony, please tell your friends about the important role we play in the fabric of our community and ask them to join you in supporting us during this challenging time.
The New West Symphony has navigated difficult times before, and you can rest assured that we will navigate the turbulent waters we now face to safe harbors. We know that we will continue to thrive because of the strength of our community. Now as always, we are grateful for your ongoing, extraordinary support.
New West Symphony Board of Directors