We regret to inform you that due to the ongoing global pandemic both the planned concert on April 24th by Spanish musician Loreto Aramendi as well as July 11th appearance of The Choir of Jesus College, Cambridge, UK, have been cancelled. The Spanish government extended its state of emergency till the middle of April, and yesterday the UK government announced tough new measures for a strict lockdown across the country.
Here in BC, our provincial health officer has declared that the the coronavirus a public health emergency and there is much uncertainty about what the next weeks and months will bring. The performing arts have been significantly impacted and yet, in these times of uncertainty we tend to turn to music to bring some order in our lives. Last week the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra live-streamed a Beethoven concert online, and a couple of days ago members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra who were self-isolating due to coronavirus recorded a video of themselves collaborating online to play Beethoven's Ode to Joy, with each musician performing from their own bedroom.
Our hope is that sometime this summer we may be out the other side of this pandemic, and have the opportunity to come together once again to appreciate music and musicians live. Some of the events planned for the St James’ Music Series include Polish concert organist Michał Szostak on August 29th, and UK’s celebrated choral ensemble The Gesualdo Six on October 23rd.
Thank you for your understanding and your support, and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back later this year.