To our loyal SFEMS patrons:
We regret to inform you that after much deliberation, SFEMS will cancel our March 20–22 concerts featuring Rachel Barton Pine and Jory Vinikour to protect the physical well-being of our patrons, musicians, and staff.
We reached this decision in order to play our part in slowing down the spread of novel coronavirus, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11. Our decision also comes in light of the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health, as well as local officials in San Francisco, Alameda and Santa Clara counties. We hope that our efforts will contribute to the collective efforts to “flattening the curve” of transmission in the Bay Area, i.e. reduce the likelihood of exponential growth in novel coronavirus cases.
For those who have purchased tickets to these concerts, we offer the following options:
- Donate your tickets back to SFEMS, and receive a tax-deductible donation letter for the face value of your ticket(s). Your donation will help us provide a cancellation honorarium to our artists as well as our concert staff.
- Exchange your tickets for a gift certificate, valid for use in the 2021–22 concert season.
- Receive a refund for the amount you paid for the ticket.
For assistance, please contact the SFEMS box office via email (preferred) at [email protected], or by calling the box office, 510-528-1725.
As of today (March 13), we still plan to stage the 2020 Berkeley Festival & Exhibition in early June.
We realize that with the current financial volatility, your donations are especially meaningful to us as a signal of your commitment to SFEMS and our mission. We also are aware that there are many other arts organizations and freelance musicians in need of financial support.
Most importantly, it is our deepest desire that all of you are receiving the physical, mental and emotional support that you need in the midst of this health crisis. May the deep bonds forged in our belief in the healing power of music connect us despite enforced physical separation.
With best wishes for health, and peace of mind and spirit,
Derek Tam, Executive Director
Joyce Johnson Hamilton, President
