AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) 2020-21 “Interlude Season” could become one of its most memorable.
With the pandemic putting gatherings at E.J. Thomas on hold, ASO is planning live and streamed performances by small groups of ASO musicians across Northeast Ohio through May 2021.
They’re happening at venues ranging from the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank and the Akron Zoo to Jilly’s Music Room and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
ASO considers this season a "thank you" to the community for its support over the years, said ASO Executive Director Paul Jarrett. It also enables the musicians to keep working during the pandemic.
With its list of Interlude Season venues still growing, ASO wants to know if you have suggestions for places musicians can perform.
“Think about unique ways that … music could supplement something that’s already taking place,” said Jarrett. “Like a live soundtrack, or ambience, to something that really in this period of time could use a little bit of perking up.”
Every performance will be free of charge. Some will be publicized, while others might be pleasant surprises.
For example, ASO is working with the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority to schedule small concerts outside senior housing facilities, so residents can watch and enjoy music while social distancing.
An upcoming performance on Sept. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will be on Stan Hywet’s Music Room stage. The performance will feature husband and wife duo Cory Smith on violin and Ann Smith on viola. The pair will perform while guests to the Manor House take self-guided tours.
Teaming up with the orchestra was an easy decision, said Stan Hywet Curator Julie Frey.
“We have such a strong history here of musical performances on property it was just a perfect fit,” she said.
Additional ASO performances at the mansion are in the works, Frey said.
Interlude Season performances are scheduled at other area venues as well, including the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Akron Public Schools and the Summit County Historical Society.
ASO musicians are also creating digital musical content for use by teachers in classrooms, music students, and for adult education. The content will range from introducing instruments to beginners to providing master classes. The work will be available free on the ASO website.
“We’re still here actively engaged with the community,” Jarrett said, “and now more than ever, music can and should play a critical role in bringing the peace and healing to the world that I think it so desperately needs right now.”
The ASO concerts originally announced for this season will be pushed to the 2021-22 concert year, and all tickets and subscriptions will be automatically transferred.
Visit the ASO website and fill out a short form for your location to be considered.