McGill + Chien Concert Postponed

Dear Chamber Music Cincinnati Subscribers and Ticket Buyers -

Due to complications from Covid, we are reluctantly postponing--but not cancelling--the January 16 and 17 concerts with Anthony McGill and Gloria Chien.

This decision is driven principally by the nature of these concerts: they are aimed at children and parents from families of limited financial resources, who are being admitted free. A key purpose is to attract young people who would benefit from our Young People’s Music Education Fund, providing music lessons and instrument rentals to those who cannot otherwise afford them.

Although Omicron’s infection severity appears to be less than Delta’s, infections are growing exponentially. Omicron hospitalization rates among children appear higher than Delta’s. Ohio has been among the most hard hit -- and the concerts are scheduled for the week in which infections are now projected to peak. Thus:

• Health risks to young people and their parents would be unacceptably high.

• Attendance would be materially lowered.

Among the factors considered in evaluating the risk to children are:

• Children have lower vaccination rates than adults.

• Reinfection by Omicron is higher than by Delta.

• Hamilton County’s Health Commissioner calls hospitals “saturated,” so some will have a harder time getting treated.

• Cincinnati Public Schools and Board of Education are debating going back to virtual classes temporarily.

• The University of Cincinnati and many other colleges have moved to online-only classes.

• Cincinnati is already in a state of emergency due to COVID-driven fire fighter shortages

We are working with the artists to find alternative dates and will advise you as soon as plans are finalized.

We regret the obvious disappointment and any inconvenience. We are disappointed, as well.

Barring a shutdown by government order or venue closure, we anticipate presenting the other concerts in our season as scheduled, including Danish String Quartet at the end of this month.

If you have any questions, please contact John Spencer at john@cincychamber.org.