Bernstein’s operetta Candide that was to be held in April and was later postponed to October has now been cancelled. The performance was planned to be held at the Turku Concert Hall 16 October, 2020. The production was a cooperation between Åbo Svenska Teater, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, Turku Music Festival and HI Productions.
The official safety distancing guidelines in concert halls make it impossible for the orchestra, choir and soloists to have enough space on stage at the Turku Concert Hall and thus the cancellation of the operetta was the only possible course of action.
“This is a very unfortunate situation, but for us the safety of our performers and audiences is the most important thing and we wish to follow the instructions and recommendations of the authorities. Cancellation of Candide was inevitable, but we are looking forward to spring 2021 when we can offer our audiences a chance to experience opera once again. A new production of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pajazzo, a pair that often appears together, takes place at Åbo Svenska Teater. The production premiers 8 April, 2021 and the tickets are on sale through Lippupiste and Åbo Svenska Teater’s and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra’s sales services”, says Jukka Aaltonen, the head of Åbo Svenska Teater.