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Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra to temporarily lay off more than 100 workers amid COVID-19 outbreak

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is being forced to issue temporary layoffs. Rudi Pawlychyn / Global News / File

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will temporarily lay off more than 100 people, as the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced at least a month of postponements and cancellations.

As of March 29, 67 orchestra members, 30 administrative staff, and 14 Sistema teachers will be without a gig.

“The orchestra business is a very fragile one at the best of times,” said WSO executive director Trudy Schroeder.

“This is an unprecedented situation, and the decision was not an easy one, or taken lightly.”

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The Centennial Concert Hall announced earlier this week all events and rehearsals until April 15, 2020 are either postponed or cancelled, which has resulted in 11 WSO events being impacted.

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This is in addition to the previous concerts which were scrapped.

The orchestra also has a planned tour of The Netherlands in May, which may be in jeopardy.

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“What is certain, though, is our priority to do whatever is needed to plan for a positive return to work for musicians and staff as soon as possible,” Schroeder said.

“These are our colleagues and friends. Our instinct is protect each other, especially at a time like this.”

Ticket holders can donate their tickets for cancelled performances back for a charitable tax receipt.

 

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