Westmoreland Symphony hits social media to get postponement out

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s decision to postpone the planned March 14 “Irish Rhapsody” concert included a “full court press” announcement.

Patron notifications include Endy Reindl, executive director, making the announcement Thursday via a video posted Thursday to the WSO’s website and social media accounts.

In the video announcement, Reindl notes the decision is being made “out of an abundance of caution” in light of the “current health situation due to novel coronavirus.” The rarity of postponing an orchestra event, Reindl says, warrants the video statement.

“We just knew that we wanted to make it personal and get it out early,” he says.

Reindl recalls only one similar event, a program cancellation in 2006 due to a power outage during a blizzard.

The symphony received many calls from concerned patrons prior to the decision to postpone this weekend’s concert. Follow-up emails, he says, were “99 percent” positive.

“People are saying, ‘Thank you so much for making this decision. I was really worried about this,’ ” he says.

“Please know at this moment that we are working to select a new date for this concert which will be prudent for all. We are moving forward with our Italian Opera Fest concert scheduled for April 25, and our annual gala, Roaring Rhapsody, scheduled for May 1,” the statement adds.

Reindl also outlines options ticket holders have, including:

• Retaining seats for the rescheduled concert

• Exchanging tickets for the Italian Opera Fest

• Receiving a ticket voucher for a classical concert next season

• Donating tickets in lieu of a refund, providing support to the nonprofit

“We just took it another step forward (by offering vouchers for next season). We recognize people will have concerns for a long time,” Reindl says.

Details: 724-837-1850 or email info@westmorelandsymphony.org