April 15, 2020
Dear Kansas City Civic Orchestra Patrons,
We are living in strange times, to say the least. Never before in our nearly 63 seasons has the Civic Orchestra had to cancel part of a concert season, but with great reluctance – and a strong sense of responsibility – the Board of Directors and I have made the decision to cancel the remainder of our 2019-2020 season. This, unfortunately, includes canceling the Saturday, April 25, 2020 concert at Helzberg Hall.
Like many orchestras around the country and the world, we are looking forward to our 2020-2021 season and are already in the exciting stages of planning the next set of concerts. We will be offering a concert tribute to Ludwig Van Beethoven and his 250th birthday year. We will also have two family weekend concerts: our November Pops and family concert, which will include our fabulous instrument petting zoo educational outreach program, and our Sounds of the Season performances in December, which will bring 2020 to a festive close. We will top off our 63rd season of wonderful music with a performance at Helzberg Hall on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 3:00pm. This concert will feature our 2020 Carol Chatelain Young Artist as well as our 2021 winner (to be chosen).
The Kansas City Civic Orchestra’s free admission to concerts is a deeply rooted tradition, and it is only possible thanks to you, our supporters. We are always very touched by the amount of generosity you offer by giving annually, at concerts, or through sponsorships to help us meet our capital funding needs. Just as everyone is working to meet budgets in this difficult time, the Civic Orchestra is also working to balance its remaining budget for the current season.* We thank you for your continued support and for your inspiring passion for the Civic Orchestra!
To say we are excited to get back to rehearsing together and preparing concerts, and that we are looking forward to offering high quality and inspiring concerts to the Greater Kansas City community once again, is an understatement. With hope and excitement we look towards our 2020-2021 season.
With thanks and sincerity,
Christopher Kelts, music director
Cc: Board of Directors
* Due to the passing of the CARES Act, donors can deduct up to $300 above the Federal Standard Deduction for donations made to a non-profit organization such as the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. Click here to support KCCO today.