For the first time in its 65-year history, the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pops Orchestra won’t be making music in the park this spring.
The professional ensemble, comprised mostly of moonlighting ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphony Orchestra and University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ musicians, hit the pause button last week for its spring series at Reid Park.
Conductor László Veres also announced that ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphonic Winds’ spring series at Udall Park also was canceled.
Both moves, approved by the ensembles’ boards of directors, were in reaction to social distancing restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I just feel terrible about it,†Veres said. “This summer is going to quiet.â€
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pops Orchestra, whose six-concert spring series was set, has been performing its park concerts in the spring and fall since 1955. The volunteer ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Symphonic Winds has been at Udall Park since 1990.
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Veres said he plans to add a concert to the four-concert Pops fall series that is set to kick off in September. He also might add a fifth concert to the Winds’ fall series.
The Winds performs Saturday nights, the Pops on Sundays.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Pops Orchestra for now plans to open its fall series Sept. 6 and perform Sundays through Oct. 4.
Contact reporter Cathalena E. Burch at cburch@tucson.com or 573-4642. On Twitter @Starburch
Cathalena E. Burch
Reporter
