The Akron Symphony Orchestra has announced the ASO Interlude Season – Akron Symphony’s Gift to the Community, which is designed to share free music throughout the Northeast Ohio community.

The season, which will run from August 2020 through May 2021, will feature ASO artists performing live, small-ensemble music experiences with a wide variety of community partners. The previously announced 2020-21 concert season has been moved forward to the 2021-22 season.

“On behalf of the working musicians of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra Committee would like to thank Executive Director Paul Jarrett, our management, Board of Trustees, Local 24, and the American Federation of Musicians for enabling a collaborative environment to help create this innovative plan to enrich the lives of our Akron community,” said Rob Kistler, Orchestra Committee chair, principal percussionist, and member of Local 24 (Akron, OH). “We look forward to the opportunity to reach out to all areas and demographics of the City of Akron and Northeast Ohio, and are honored to share our gift of music during these unprecedented times.”

During the season, ASO musicians will provide free performances with numerous collaborative partners, including the Akron Art Museum, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Akron Public Schools, Akron-Summit County Public Library, the Akron Zoo, International Institute of Akron, Jilly’s Music Room, Love Akron, Mustard Seed Market & Café, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Summa Health, the Summit County Historical Society, and Tuesday Musical Association.

In addition, the orchestra will develop digital content, including educational programs designed for classroom teachers, music teachers, and adult education that will be accessible at no charge through its website and social media channels.

“I’m tremendously excited about the Interlude season. I do mourn the loss of a full orchestra season. But ironically, it gives us the chance to do a great many things we’ve always wanted to do,” said Music Director Christopher Wilkins. “Our greatest asset is the creativity of our musicians, and this new plan allows us to utilize their skills in an extraordinary variety of ways.”