PRESS RELEASE Oklahoma City Philharmonic to cancel remainder of 19-20 season

In order to protect our audiences, musicians, staff, and all those who we serve our community and in cooperation with community-wide efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the OKCPHIL has made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining concerts of our 2019-20 Season.

We have been closely monitoring the situation and observing protocols for social distancing placed by the CDC, the Civic Center, and the city, which all indicate that large public gatherings of 10 or more will not be possible in the upcoming weeks.

Therefore, the following OKCPHIL concerts are cancelled:
· Chickasaw Nation Pops Series: Frank and Ella - Tuesday and Wednesday, June 2-3, 2020 – 8PM
· Inasmuch Foundation Classics Series: Gritty, Sweat and Hypnotic- featuring Stravinsky: Rite of Spring - May 30 – 8PM
· E.L and Thelma Gaylord Family Discovery Series: “Peter and the Wolf” - May 31 – 2:00pm

Says OKCPHIL Executive Director Agnieszka Rakhmatullaev, “As you can imagine, this decision was not easy, but absolutely necessary. The safety and well-being of our patrons, musicians, artists, volunteers, and staff is our top priority and we simply can’t provide a safe environment for you to enjoy live music at this time. However, we look forward to being back on our stage and in the community to share the joy and inspiration of orchestral music with all of you again soon”.

Details for ticket holders for these cancelled concerts have been emailed to them, and are available at OKCPHIL.ORG. For tickets purchased online or through the Civic Center please call (405) 594-8300 M-F 10AM-5:00PM. Ticket holders should respond before the June 30th deadline.

For further assistance, please contact us by phone at (405) 842-5387. Call center response may be slow due to high demand and staffing restrictions. Messages will be returned between 10AM and 2PM M-F. We thank you for your patience and understanding, as we ensure the safety of our staff.

Says Rakhmatullaev, “Many are asking how they can help keep the music alive in our community during these uncertain times and in the future. Please kindly consider donating your ticket(s). Since ticket revenue accounts for 43% of our budget, you will allow us to keep the funds essential to finish this year –while getting a tax donation letter in return. If that’s not possible, please request a gift voucher, which can be used for a future concert. And as always, you can support your OKCPHIL through a charitable donation. Your support today is more important than ever. Please consider the role that music plays in your life and consider a gift of any amount that will help us during this unprecedented time.”

We extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the following concert sponsors of these performances for their loyal and stellar philanthropic support that make the execution of our mission and programming a reality: The Chickasaw Nation, The Inasmuch Foundation, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, The Skirvin Hilton, Mrs. Jane B. Harlow, Bank of Oklahoma, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Dr. Steven C. Agee, Jane & Andy Evans, and I Heart Media. THANK YOU!

From all of us at the OKCPHIL, please stay safe and healthy! We miss seeing you at the Civic Center and look forward to experiencing exciting orchestral music with you again soon.

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic has gained recognition as one of the nation’s premier regional orchestras. Tracing its roots to 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic was formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Founder and Music Director Emeritus Joel Levine and began a new era with the passing of the baton to Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate in 2018. The Orchestra remains steadfast in its mission “to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music.” Through its consistent commitment to excellence, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic strives to enrich lives, expand cultural development, educate future generations, and provide audiences with a diverse and inspirational performance experiences. Committed to expanding its reach well beyond the concert hall, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic enjoys a close collaborative relationship with Oklahoma’s schools, colleges, and universities as well as the city’s other premier arts organizations including Oklahoma City Ballet and Canterbury Voices. Through high-caliber performances and a variety of education and community engagement programs the OKC Phil serves over 135,000 annually throughout the states of Oklahoma. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-“TICKETS” (842-5387), or visit okcphilharmonic.org.