(Credit: Julien Lambert Photo)

In light of the news that Bass Hall will remain closed through December 2020, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has announced it will be moving to Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium, where the organization plans to hold symphonic concerts starting on Sept. 18, 2020.

In order to safely accommodate a live audience for their concert series, FWSO will be implementing Covid-19 testing for all musicians, crew, and staff prior to each weekend of concerts. Musicians will be placed six feet away, with regular temperature checks, as well as acrylic screens to control airflow, bell covers for woodwind and brass, and masks for the string section.

For audiences, there will be assigned entry times, temperature checks, distanced seating, mandatory masks during the performance, and digital programs.

“We were extremely surprised to receive this disappointing news just two weeks before the opening of our Symphonic Series, especially after working with Bass Hall management all summer on detailed plans for a safe reopening,” said Keith Cerny, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in a press release.”Luckily, Will Rogers Auditorium was able to accommodate the addition of our symphonic performances this fall with only minimal schedule changes. We are grateful for their swift assistance, and for the understanding of our patrons and musicians. This decision by PAFW was completely unexpected, but we look forward to resuming performances at Bass Performance Hall when they open their doors in early 2021.”