Cape Symphony executive director Mike Albaugh. Paul Blackmore photograph
NOTE: This program was subsequently postponed till May (snowstorm).
Programming live events always presents difficulties. But the ongoing Covid pandemic seems like the ultimate obstacle to in-person performances.
“We have to keep challenging ourselves,” says Mike Albaugh, executive director of the Cape Symphony. “It’s exhausting—the last two concerts had to be reprogrammed because of Covid-related issues.
“But we want people to enjoy music live,” he says; “we want them to experience it together.
“We can’t stop—we have to keep moving. We don’t want a collapse—and I mean economically, all the businesses on the Cape. Everyone is working closely together.”
The Cape Symphony’s upcoming program, January 29 and 30 at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, continues the orchestra’s annual Passport series. “Passport to Ireland” brings fiddler Eileen Ivers and harpist Maeve Gilchrist, along with the Kanaley School dancers, onstage with the orchestra.
It’s a variety-show concert that includes traditional melodies (“Danny Boy”), along with works by Irish composers Arthur Duff, Hamilton Harty and Seóirse Bodley.
Safety protocols are in place. Concertgoers must be masked—as is the orchestra, with the exception of the winds. Everyone must show proof of vaccination before entering the Barnstable Performing Arts Center.
“Our patrons who come understand the protocols,” Albaugh says. “Unfortunately Covid has create a different atmosphere, but people move in fairly well after showing proof of vaccine.”
The orchestra is fully vaccinated. “The musicians are taking this as seriously as anyone else,” he says. “Everyone was vaccinated over the summer, and we are deciding to require boosters as soon as they are eligible.”
Attendance at recent concerts—which in the past have almost always sold out—has been good, but not great. “We had a couple of sell-outs over the holidays,” Albaugh says, “but we’re not anywhere where we would like to be. Nowhere near 2019. A lot of people who would like to come are opting out right now.
“But we’ve budgeted low,” he says. “We’re planning next season and beyond, not only bringing music to our audience at BPAC, but thinking of ways to expand that.”
The symphony’s monthly subscription concerts remain in place through May, and plans for additional summer events are still forming. Albaugh mentions potential programs elsewhere in Hyannis, Mashpee, Falmouth and the Islands.
“We need to create more opportunities,” he says, “especially in the summer months.”
Innovative programming has been the Cape Symphony’s strong point, and music director Jung-Ho Pak’s mix of classics, Pops and contemporary works has always been enthusiastically received. “I was blown away by our tickets sales when I came here,” Albaugh says. But those ideas are changing as well.
“I think our Mayflower program in November was a great response,” Albaugh says. He’s referring to the Mayflower 400th anniversary concert, which included works commemorating that anniversary, as well as a new composition focused on Wampanoag history, and a tribute to the late Elijah McClain. “It was a powerful statement,” Albaugh says, “a response to the times.
“Jung-Ho spends a lot of time curating a show, down to the last minute,” Albaugh says. “We have to have classics, but this is a time to re-think what we can do differently. This is not a stuffy orchestra, and never has been.”
The Cape Symphony’s “Passport to Ireland” programs will take place Saturday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 30, at 3:00 p.m. in the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 W. Main St., Hyannis. Visit capesymphony.org or call 508 362-1111.
Keith Powers covers music and the arts for Gannett New England, Leonore Overture and Opera News. Follow @PowersKeith; email to keithmichaelpowers@gmail.com.