The Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has announced a change in programming for this week’s opening mainstage concerts, in response to the strengthened restrictions now in effect in the ACT in relation to the Greater Brisbane snap lockdown.
The orchestra was slated to perform Korngold’s violin concerto as part of Llewellyn One: Seven Deadly Sins (31 Mar / 1 Apr), featuring Brisbane-based soloist Courtenay Cleary. However, Cleary returned home to Brisbane yesterday following the lunchtime announcement from ACT Health.
In place of the Korngold, the orchestra will perform Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 in Eb major, described by Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Jessica Cottis – a Sibelius specialist – as “uplifting, expansive and joyous.”
“The CSO is an incredibly dedicated and versatile orchestra,” said Cottis. “I commend them on their agility in pivoting to this alternate repertoire under the circumstances. We look forward to presenting an equally exciting program for our audiences.”
“The safety and wellbeing of our musicians, staff, guests artists and audiences remains our first priority,” said Rachel Thomas, CSO CEO. “I’d like to thank our concertgoers for continuing to support the orchestra after an exceptionally challenging 12 months.”
“We are pleased to provide expert advice to the CSO to ensure a safe return to live performances for musicians, staff and audiences,” said Dr Geetha Isaac-Toua, Group Medical Director of leading healthcare provider Aspen Medical. The CSO presented Courtenay Cleary in Recital over the weekend, in full compliance with ACT Government restrictions.
For further information and to arrange interviews, contact:
Jacqui Douglas
Marketing & Communications Manager
Canberra Symphony Orchestra
0410 663 790 / jacqui.douglas@cso.org.au