Va. Symphony Orchestra cancels two spring concerts

NORFOLK

To save money, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra has canceled two spring concerts.

By cutting its April 24 concert at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News and its April 26 concert at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach, the cash-strapped symphony will trim $55,000 from its budget, said Donna Hudgins, director of public relations.

The cancellations entailed a bit of programming musical chairs.

Those concerts featured the Beethoven violin concerto, with soloist Michael Ludwig. But Ludwig's not lost: The same program has been moved ahead three weeks, to April 2 at the Ferguson Center, April 3 at the Sandler Center, and April 4 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk.

The Beethoven concerts will replace a "Roman Festival" mixed classical program that had been set for April 3 -5.

The dates tend to be more important than the program to symphony fans, Hudgins said. "We have changed programs in the past. Subscribers are very good about that."

About 1,000 subscribers and single-ticket buyers had bought seats for those late April concerts, she said. All have received notice of the changes, she said, and so far she has heard no complaints.

Ticket-holders for the April 5, 24 and 26 concerts have three options: They may choose one of the early April dates, call the symphony's box office at (757) 892-6366 and arrange to attend another symphony concert, or take a tax credit for unused tickets.

Remaining concerts for this season include six classical programs and two pops concerts, including Saturday's "Camelot" concert at Chrysler Hall.

In the fall, the Virginia Symphony's debt was at $1.5 million. In December, the Norfolk Economic Development Authority agreed to loan the group $500,000 to help it meet payroll as it cuts expenses and boosts fundraising.

Teresa Annas, (757) 446-2485, teresa.annas@pilotonline.com