With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic a concern, Orchestra Iowa made a big announcement this week, according to KCRG.

It's a 1-2 punch in the form of canceling all core events and Opus Concert Cafe performances for their fall season (essentially the rest of the year, through December 31) with the expected loss of revenue from those cancelations causing full-time staff to be furloughed, according to their Board of Directors.

These furloughs, according to KCRG reportedly include Music Director Tim Hankewich and CEO Jeffrey Collier which will go into effect by the end of September.

Collier said in a statement, "the decision to cancel our core programming for the fall is heartbreaking for everyone involved with Orchestra Iowa. Ultimately, we must put the health and safety of our musicians, audience, and staff at the forefront of our plans.”

They are hopeful for a return to their programming next fall, according to Collier. From the Arts Iowa website: "in an effort to maintain fiscal stability during these turbulent times, all full-time Orchestra Iowa employees, including the Music Director and CEO, will be put on a 50% furlough beginning at the end of September."

Canceled events for the season include "Horn Calls" (September 18-20), "Beethoven 5x5" (October 24-25), "Ghostbusters in Concert" (October 30), "Triple B Threat" (November 13-14), and yes, the highly popular "Nutcracker" (December 5) and "Holiday Spectacular" shows (December 18-20). Ticketholders to these events will be notified of their options. A donation to support Orchestra Iowa will be one of those options. Those who don't have tickets to upcoming canceled shows but want to support Orchestra Iowa can make a donation.

Meanwhile, several events including "Beatles vs. Stones", "An Evening with C.S. Lewis", "The Who Invasion", and "Menopause: The Musical" remain on the Arts Iowa schedule, according to their website.

Call the ticket office for more details at (319)366-8203 or contact them by email.

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