COVID-19 Update Atlanta Chamber Players
COVID-19 Update from Alliance Theatre’s Executive Director Vanya Foote.
Atlanta Chamber Players
Vanya Foote
Executive Director
www.atlantachamberplayers.com
The Atlanta Chamber Players (ACP) were scheduled to perform on March 15 and 16 when concern about the coronavirus compelled the respective venues to cancel the concerts. A couple of weeks later, the ACP board made the decision to cancel all remaining events of the season.
In June, as part of the Concerts@First series, the ACP participated in a Chamber Music Extravaganza, which was livestreamed from the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. The success of that program led to the scheduling of a Chamber Music Celebration, which will be livestreamed from First Presbyterian on Sunday, August 9, at 2 p.m.
In May, the ACP produced a “mini-concert,” a 30-minute program in which musicians performed movements, rather than a full-length chamber work, and provided commentary. The ensemble plans on producing a second mini-concert, which will be available on the ACP YouTube channel, in August.
“This fall will have more reduced activity than in previous years, but it was important that we return in some capacity and celebrate our 45th anniversary,” says ACP executive director Vanya Foote.
The first event of the ACP’s 2020-21 season is scheduled for October 23 at First Presbyterian Church. The concert, which is designated as of press time as being livestreamed with no audience, will feature a world premiere commissioned by the ACP from local composer David Garner. Also scheduled for October is a subscriber concert staged outside to allow for increased health safety.
“We are in a new era,” says Foote. “Although audiences will eventually be eager to return when it is safe, virtual programming is here to stay. It may not replace the live experience, but it will enhance the live performance experience for many, while also increasing its accessibility and reach.”