POTSDAM, NY – Last evening, the Board of Directors of The Orchestra of Northern New York voted unanimously to cancel its summer pops concert. Two performances were slated to take place: Watertown’s free Concert in the Park on Thursday, July 2, followed by an evening concert in SUNY Potsdam’s Hosmer Hall on Friday, July 3.
“We are all saddened by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths caused by this disease. Every board member agreed we cannot take any chances,” said Timothy L. Savage, President, of the Board of Directors. “Although we hope the situation will improve dramatically by that time, we do not want to risk bringing large groups of people together when things may be getting better and experience a second wave.”
Music Director Kenneth Andrews said, “We look forward to performing this exciting
concert next summer.” He has made modest changes to this year’s program, renaming the concert for next year, Celebrating America. Guest soloists will be Fiddling Hall of Fame member Gretchen Koehler and North Country favorite guitarist/vocalist Barb Heller. The 2021 summer pops concert will be Thursday, July 1 in Thompson Park and Friday, July 2 in Potsdam.
ONNY expects to announce its 2020-2021 season next month, the 33 rd year for the North Country’s only year-round professional symphony orchestra.
Concert-goers with summer pops concert tickets will be notified by mail early next week of their three options, according to ONNY Executive Director Kathy Del Guidice. “They may receive a refund, a credit toward future concerts, or donate the value of the ticket(s) to ONNY. We will gladly honor and process all requests promptly.”