Although the Knoxville summer of 2020 has been mostly temperate, weatherwise, there has been enough socio-political heat and angst across the nation to fill a decade or two. And, just at the time when there are subtle hints from nature that fall is approaching, the fall arts season in Knoxville, already wracked by closures, is being dealt another blow due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its affect on live performances.
With only weeks to go before its 2020-21 season was scheduled to begin, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra has announced that it is delaying the season opening due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic with an eye toward resuming performances in February, 2021. As part of the season delay, a delay that will be agonizingly painful to those who make their living from the arts, the KSO is furloughing all musicians until January 31, 2021, as well as seven administrative staff members. It has been announced that the remaining staff members will take pay cuts. [Here is the KSO’s information page on the suspension]
While some type of KSO season disruption was largely expected due to the continuing crisis, many music organizations around the country, including those like the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic in the major cities, had already acted to suspend fall seasons from an abundance of precaution. In Knoxville, however, there had been hope and optimism that a full season would still be possible, even if there were unfortunate and conflicting compromises, or alternative venues used, that would insure the safety of audiences and musicians. As late as last week, many musicians were expecting a regular season start and have expressed shock, anger, and dismay at what is, admittedly, a decision that was late arriving.
While the suspension may disappoint audiences and disrupt the KSO’s economic plans, one should not forget that the KSO musicians and artists, many of whom are full-time salaried employees, will suffer personal economic pain that goes far beyond ticket sales and fund-raising. If the Knoxville music and arts scene is to emerge from the economic scourge inflicted by the pandemic, let’s not forget the people who actually make the music and art. They will need our help and encouragement.
