SAULT STE. MARIE -- The Sault Ste. Marie Symphony Orchestra is facing a challenge like never before.
Like many other groups hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and with many of its American members trapped by the U.S.-Canadian border shutdown, the symphony said it's postponing it's 2020-21 season for the foreseeable future.
"So even when it does reopen, it takes us a couple of months to get our show together," said Louis St. Pierre, chairperson. "So if it doesn't open in a long time, then we'll have to reimagine our orchestra, quite frankly."
St. Pierre said he's unsure when the orchestra will be able to play again but is taking things one day at a time.
"It's certainly difficult, being away from friends we've all made," he said. "That's one of the biggest things we all miss, I do anyways, is the friendship that we enjoy as an orchestra."
The orchestra has created a special online audience experience to gain support, however, its vice president said he's exploring other routes to keep things going.
"We're looking at inviting some local musicians to help us in recordings since some of our members are stuck in the United States," said Michael Di Santo. "Perhaps the orchestra performance we present is something a little new and different from what we've done before, but will be a show that our patrons can enjoy."
Di Santo said right now, the situation isn't dire, but hopes the community will help out so the orchestra can "keep the lights on."
Meanwhile, St. Pierre said the orchestra is aiming to play again for Christmas, but nothing is set in stone yet.
