For Immediate Release

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Cancels

30^th Annual Concerts In The Garden

Press Contact

Katie Kelly
Communications Manager
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
kkelly@fwsymphony.org
817-665-6500

FORT WORTH, TX – May 13, 2020 – In order to protect our patrons, musicians, and staff from COVID-19, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) has made the difficult decision to cancel the 30^th Annual Concerts In The Garden. While we are devastated that we will not be able to gather and celebrate with music under the stars, the FWSO is prioritizing the safety and well-being of our devoted arts community.

Board Chairman, Mercedes T. Bass stated, "With heavy heart and much disappointment, the Board has made the difficult decision to cancel Concerts in the Garden for this year.  The Board, musicians, and staff were all looking forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of this remarkable community program, but we face too many challenges this year due to the COVID-19 virus.  We look forward to seeing you at the Botanic Garden in the summer of 2021"

"Knowing that cancelling this Festival would disappoint 35,000 patrons this summer, we have taken our time in making this decision.  It is now clear, though, that with North Texas in only the early stages of reopening, we would face a wide range of financial and operational challenges in presenting a safe and financially successful Festival this year.  We greatly appreciate our patrons' support and understanding in this difficult time,” said Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra President and CEO, Keith Cerny.

Patrons with tickets to cancelled performances have the option to exchange their tickets for other performances, request a refund or donate them back as a tax-deductible donation. Ticket holders will receive an email with instructions on how to request a ticket return and may also request their ticket return at fwsymphony.org or by calling the Box Office at 817-665-6500.

For more information on the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Music Lab, please visit fwsymphony.org.

About Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is deeply committed to uniting its community through performance, education, and outreach, reaching an audience of more than 200,000 annually. Since its beginnings in 1912, the FWSO has been an essential thread in the city’s cultural fabric and the very foundation of Fort Worth’s performing arts. Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya, now entering his 20^th and final season at the artistic helm of the FWSO, has led the orchestra into the 21st century to new levels of excellence. Under his leadership, the FWSO has performed at Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras. Throughout his tenure, the FWSO has released 13 recordings – with several being world premiere releases – garnering international acclaim. Miguel Harth-Bedoya and the FWSO have embraced creative collaborations through residencies, partnerships, and commissions. As the principal resident company of the acoustically superb Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, the Orchestra performs a full season of concerts featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists and works by living composers. The Orchestra performs and partners with the Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, The Cliburn, and Performing Arts Fort Worth. Each summer at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the FWSO presents Concerts In The Garden – a series of family-friendly concerts that has become a city-wide tradition. Additionally, the orchestra hosts an annual Festival of Orchestras, providing an opportunity for non-professional orchestras across the state of Texas to perform in Bass Performance Hall. The FWSO keeps exceptional musical experiences at the heart of its community. After all—life is better with music!

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