Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival Joins 2020 Cancellations

It's beginning to look like a light music summer

By Alex De Vore

Hot off the heels of the Santa Fe Opera announcing it will cancel its 2020 season due to the COVID-19 situation, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival Executive Director Steven Ovitsky made a similar announcement via open letter.

"Many realities factored into our decision," Ovitsky's letter reads. "First and foremost is helping to keep our patrons, artists, and staff safe and secure. In our view, the best way to do that is to follow social distancing guidelines, which, although they may be relaxed somewhat in the coming weeks and months, will likely discourage large gatherings and international travel."

Similarly to Santa Fe Pro Musica's canceled season actions, Ovitsky says the Chamber Music Festival will make at least partial payments to musicians who were scheduled to appear, stating that "supporting them during this difficult time is a priority for the organization."

The festival’s artistic director, Marc Neikrug, made a statement as well, noting, “we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2021, and we’ll all rejoice, taking in memorable performances of great music.”

Like other organizations facing cancellations, tickets can be donated for their face value. The Chamber Music Festival will also honor already purchased tickets next year or issue a full refund. Its online educational resources will remain in effect and its annual radio series (13-hour broadcasts of chamber jams) will still be available and reportedly include the 2020 programs many will now sadly miss.

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