TEF season finale concert cancelled

Published 3:34 pm Friday, March 13, 2020

Thomasville Entertainment Foundation on Friday announced the postponement of its season finale concert, a victim of the nationwide impact of the corona virus. 

“It is with great disappointment that we are forced to announce the cancellation — or rather the postponement — of our March 24 concert by A Far Cry, the wonderful Boston-based string orchestra,” said Rick Ivey, TEF’s executive and artistic director. “We were notified by the orchestra’s management team that corona virus-related issues made coming to Thomasville this month impossible.”

Ivey said he is already working with the orchestra’s management to reschedule the concert during 2020-21, not as a part of the regular season, but as a make-up concert. 

“During TEF’s 83rd performance season, we will plan to offer three performances in our Classics Series, three in our Variations Series, plus A Far Cry as a mostly pre-ticketed event. All tickets purchased for A Far Cry will, of course, be honored for the rescheduled concert,” Ivey added, “or TEF will be happy to offer a refund if ticketholders prefer.”

Grace Kennerly, A Far Cry’s executive director, said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances from the effects of COVID-19, we regret that A Far Cry can no longer visit Thomasville for our scheduled performance on March 24. As a result of other tour cancellations and for the protection of our musicians during this public health crisis, we are unable to travel domestically or to convene as an ensemble for rehearsal and performance here in Boston. We are deeply saddened by this sudden change of events and the current circumstances forcing this decision.

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“Please know that we are actively working to find a new concert date and look forward to sharing music together in the future,” she continued. “We appreciate all of your understanding and support during this challenging time and wish the Thomasville community good health and safety as we weather this storm together.”

In recent weeks, TEF officials have been monitoring information, guidelines and recommendations coming out of the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health — as well as talking with Thomasville Center for the Arts. Having reached consensus that the best way to slow the spread of the corona virus across the country is to cancel large gatherings, this process is happening all over the country.

“Certainly, the health and well-being of our community, our volunteers and our patrons are paramount, and we recognize that a significant portion of our series audience falls within the group most vulnerable to the impact of the corona virus,” Ivey said. “We feel confident this is the best course of action under the circumstances.”

TEF plans to announce its 2020-21 season lineup later this spring.