COVID-19 Update: Cancellation of 2020 Season

JUNE 1, 2020

Dear Friends,

It is with pronounced sadness that the team and I announce the cancellation of NYO-China’s 2020 Sinfonietta Series. While the situation concerning COVID-19 may certainly improve in the coming months, we have concluded that it would be impossible to proceed with a physical residency and concert tour this summer. 

There were multiple reasons informing this decision, including 1) the recent cancellation of the festival in Moscow, 2) uncertainty over when venues in China might reopen, and 3) travel restrictions that may continue to affect some of our faculty and artists residing abroad. More than anything else, however, we are cancelling this season because of our highest obligation to protect the health and well-being of our students. 

We understand that many will be disappointed with this news, including and especially the students who recently matriculated into the Class of 2020. Although nothing could substitute actually sharing the stage with Simone Porter and Ludovic Morlot at Tchaikovsky Hall, the team is looking into ways to recognize and engage with all the young artists who had astounded our Admissions Committee with their exceptional auditions. Accordingly, we will be reaching out to members of the Class of 2020 in due time with details about these plans. 

Clearly, this pandemic has been difficult for so many of us - from those directly afflicted with the disease, to all our tireless healthcare workers, to NYO-China’s numerous colleagues in the performing arts who have seen their income evaporate for the unforeseeable future. Perhaps we can offer at least a little consolation by noting that our ensemble remains in esteemed company with all its fellow National Youth Orchestras that have similarly had to cancel their itineraries for this summer. 

It would be presumptuous of us to conjecture when these extraordinary times will end. That said, with deliberate optimism and unshaken commitment, the team is dedicated to making sure that the future of NYO-China remains as ambitious as any point in its history preceding COVID-19. And although none of us can say exactly when, we look forward to once again seeing you from up upon the stage.

Sincerely,

Vincent Accettola
Managing Director
National Youth Orchestra of China