The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces Updated COVID-19 Protocols Effective November 4

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Announces Updated COVID-19 Protocols Effective November 4

Negative Tests Now Accepted Allowing for Return of Family Programming

October 27, 2021 (Baltimore, MD) – The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) today announced updated COVID-19 protocols, including changes to its vaccination policy and the return of limited concessions, as well as expanded access to free digital education programming.

Effective November 4, the BSO will accept either proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 on a sample collected within 72 hours of the performance or event. Full vaccination is defined as being 14 days after the final dose. Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result for COVID-19 is required for admittance to all indoor BSO performances and events.

Patrons may provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result for COVID-19 on a smartphone or with a physical copy of the vaccination record or test result, alongside a matching photo ID. For children under the age of 18 a school ID, passport, or other official government ID will be accepted. While proof of vaccination or negative PCR test is still required, if the minor does not have an ID, an accompanying adult must confirm the validity of the minor’s vaccination or negative test verification. Additionally, patrons of the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall can now provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result for COVID-19 through the My Bindle App. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted.

“Through the entirety of the pandemic, we have been working with epidemiologists and public health officials to craft our responsible return protocols – first for our digital season with the return of musicians and operations staff, and more recently, the return of patrons to our concert halls,” said VP and Chief Operating Officer Tonya McBride Robles. “With this guidance, and with time for all staff to adjust to checking proof of vaccinations effectively and efficiently, we are confident that now is the appropriate time for us to take the next step in our responsible return. This includes welcoming back our youngest audience members, as well as those who are unable to be vaccinated due to religious or medical reasons.”

To welcome children under the age of 12 back into the concert hall, the BSO will perform its first in-person and indoor performance for families since the onset of the pandemic, Winter Wonderland, on December 4. Thanks to the generous support provided by the Baltimore Symphony Associates, on October 28, the BSO’s first Midweek Concert for young listeners, Thrills and Chills, will be available for free at BSOmusic.org/OffStage, followed by subsequent Midweek Concerts throughout the year. Additional in-person family friendly holiday programming includes Cirque Nutcracker and Holiday Spectacular.

Effective November 4, concession sales limited to just beverages will return to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Facemasks will continue to be required indoors, except for when actively drinking, for all BSO performances and events until further notice.

For patrons who are not comfortable returning to the concert halls, the BSO offers pay-per-view streaming of most Classical and Pops concerts. The livestreams are available for a limited time on BSOmusic.org/OffStage. Providing a behind-the-scenes look at the BSO’s Music Director Search, Season 2 of BSO Sessions is also now available for purchase at BSOmusic.org/OffStage. Livestream access is a complimentary benefit for all subscribers.

More information about the BSO’s responsible return, including a complete list of protocols and answers to frequently asked questions, is available at BSOmusic.org/ResponsibleReturn.

Tickets for the 2021-22 season are available through BSO Patron Support, 410.783.8000, 877.BSO.1444, or BSOmusic.org. For press comps, additional artist bios, or media materials, please contact the Communications Department at tkopasek@BSOmusic.org.

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