As the safety of the Allentown Symphony Association’s audience, musicians, visiting guest artists, staff, volunteers and board continues to be its top priority, the ASA announced an extension of event cancellations of ASA-promoted events at Miller Symphony Hall and elsewhere through August as well as compensation reductions for salaried staff.

Private rental events at Miller Symphony Hall up to this time are being handled on a case-by-case basis.

The ASA had previously announced cancellations/postponements of events through June 21.

“While the Allentown Symphony Association deeply regrets having to cancel or postpone events this summer, we simply had no choice,” said Executive Director Al Jacobsen.

“Our first priority is safety as we navigate through this unprecedented time. It is still very clear to us that we will not be able to gather at Miller Symphony Hall this summer, even as Allentown progresses into the next phases of opening the economy in Pennsylvania.”

Jacobsen said the ASA has taken measures beyond canceling or postponing concerts to ensure the ongoing health of the organization.

“In addition, as a response to this crisis and the ongoing need to preserve liquidity for the organization, all salaried administrative staff will see varying reductions in pay with both Music Director/Conductor Diane Wittry and myself taking a 10% reduction in salary effective June 22, 2020.

“We are continuing to evaluate the situation in the Lehigh Valley and are in contact with our peers throughout the country as well as locally. Our primary goal is to bring the music this community loves back as quickly and safely as possible.”

In the meantime, the ASA is remaining active and relevant, moving several programs to virtual platforms and continuing to provide new content on Miller Symphony Hall @Home, www.mshathome.org.

The most up-to-date information on cancellations/postponements may be found by visiting www.MillerSymphonyHall.org, by asking a question at info@allentownsymphony.org or by calling 610-432-6715.