Regina Symphony Orchestra cancels shows in April as pandemic pains persist

The pandemic had a destructive impact on many businesses and groups, and the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) still hasn’t been able to fully bounce back.

RSO music director Gordon Gerrard told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Friday the RSO had an ambitious season planned. He thought its shows would have pre-pandemic audience levels, but that hasn’t materialized.

“We’ve got to change course here a little bit (by) cancelling some concerts in April,” Gerrard said. “We had a baroque concert coming up at Holy Rosary Cathedral, a big concert at Conexus Arts Centre … and also a family show at Riddell (Centre).”

As for why people aren’t showing up, he said it’s hard to pinpoint a reason.

“It seems to me that a lot of folks are still concerned of what’s going on out there, whether it’ s COVID or other things that are floating around in the air,” Gerrard said.

He also said he believes a lot of people got out of the habit of watching the RSO’s concerts because of years of lockdowns and restrictions.

The director added he thinks rising ticket prices could be also be a factor.

“I think we’d be foolish to think that it hasn’t,” he said. “Everything feels like it’s three times as expensive now as it used to be … People’s circumstances have changed based on the cost of living and certainly that is a factor as well.”

Most orchestras across the country are also struggling to attract spectators and most places are sitting at around 50 per cent of what their pre-pandemic attendance was, the director noted.

“This is not unique to Regina,” Gerrard said. “Right now it seems dire, but there have been dire times in the past for sure.”

He also said during the pandemic he realized how flexible the RSO can be and how resilient it is.

As for ways to attract spectators, Gerrard added everything, including a radiothon or a telethon, is on the table.

“We’re definitely going to look at all the options and talk to people (and) listen to people and hear what’s on their mind and try to get to those folks who used to come and don’t come anymore and find out why,” he said.

Gerrard added people can support the orchestra by attending its concerts in May.