May 15, 2020, Greeley, CO
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Greeley Chorale has canceled all planned performances for the rest of 2020. The Chorale board announced this decision, following guidance from health officials as well as the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the American Choral Directors’ Association (ACDA), the Performing Arts Medical Association (PAMA) and Chorus America, among others.
“I’m not going to get into the details of the science behind this decision, but essentially, given the deep breaths that must be taken and the tremendous exhalation of breath while singing, along with the impossibility of social distancing for large singing groups, it’s been determined that singers, of all ages, whether in a choral ensembles, barbershop quartet, or even a professional on stage, are at high risk for being infected with Covid-19,” explained Jim DeMersseman, president of the Greeley Chorale Board of Directors. “We take the safety of our singers and our audience patrons very seriously, and although we’re very sad we will not be able to perform in the near future, we are confident our community support will understand the need for this decision.”
Currently, there are preliminary plans for a concert in late spring, 2021, free to the public.
“We’re not really sure yet just what, when, or where, but we want to do something to thank the people of Northern Colorado for their support over the past 55 years, and let them know that the Greeley Chorale will weather this storm and return to the concert hall as soon as we can,” explained Dr. Galen Darrough, Chorale Artistic Director. “We’re monitoring events as much as we can. Things change rapidly, so advance planning is difficult. But, we WILL be back!“