The Akron Symphony Orchestra announced its ASO Interlude Season, which is designed to share free music throughout Northeast Ohio.
The season, which will run from August 2020 through May 2021, will feature ASO artists performing live, small-ensemble music experiences with a wide variety of community partners. The previously announced 2020-21 concert season has been moved forward to the 2021-22 season.
“The Interlude Season will ensure that the orchestra continues to fulfill its mission to the community by providing unprecedented access to music,” says Paul Jarrett, executive director.
During the season, ASO musicians will provide free performances with numerous collaborative partners, including the Akron Art Museum, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Akron Public Schools, Akron-Summit County Public Library, the Akron Zoo, International Institute of Akron, Jilly’s Music Room, Love Akron, Mustard Seed Market & Café, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Summa Health, the Summit County Historical Society, and Tuesday Musical Association.
“I’m tremendously excited about the Interlude season,” says Music Director Christopher Wilkins. “I do mourn the loss of a full orchestra season. But ironically, it gives us the chance to do a great many things we’ve always wanted to do. Our greatest asset is the creativity of our musicians, and this new plan allows us to utilize their skills in an extraordinary variety of ways.”
In addition, the orchestra will develop digital content, including educational programs designed for classroom teachers, music teachers and adult education that will be accessible at no charge through its website and social media channels.
“There’s no question that our community needs music right now,” Wilkins says. “It needs the comfort, healing, joy, and sense of togetherness that music offers like nothing else. We look forward to the coming months as we work with our community partners — both familiar and new — to share our gift of music throughout Northeast Ohio. We hope that in this way we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
To learn more about becoming a community partner during the Interlude Season or to make your own suggestion as to where you would like to hear ASO perform, visit akronsymphony.org/interlude. For any other questions, email [email protected] or call 330-535-8131.
ASO patrons and subscribers who currently have tickets for the 2020-21 season will have their subscriptions moved to the 2021-22 season automatically, ensuring their seats for when the orchestra returns to performing at E.J. Thomas Hall.
