HOLLYWOOD (CNS) - For the first time in almost a century, the Hollywood Bowl will be silent this summer, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic announcing today the cancellation of the season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association made the decision, citing the inability to hold its iconic events in a continuing environment of COVID-19 public health restrictions barring large gatherings.

Canceling the season will exacerbate continuing revenue losses for the Philharmonic, which stated that scrubbing the Hollywood Bowl season and shows at The Ford will leave the organization with an $80 million budget shortfall. In response, the L.A. Phil announced it will furlough 25% of its non-union workforce, as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra through Sept. 30. Seasonal Hollywood Bowl employees are also being laid off.

The Philharmonic announced the creation of a "Play Your Part'' fundraising campaign in hopes of raising $35 million to support the association's ongoing operations and programs, including the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and other educational initiatives.

It is the first time in 98 years there won't be a summer concert season at the celebrated venue, which opened in 1922.

Hollywood Bowl performances are a long-standing Southern California summer tradition, for natives and implants alike.

The cancellation of the season is not a surprise, given the restrictions on public gatherings due to the coronavirus, but the news still comes as a sharp blow to fans of the classic music and other productions, and the accompanying picnicking and socializing.