KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Irving S. Gilmore Keyboard Festival is canceled in Kalamazoo because of the risk of coronavirus.
The festival, originally scheduled to start in April, was canceled Friday, March 13, to help stop the spread of the virus in Michigan, according to a press release from Gilmore.
The festival, held every two years, offers music from jazz to classical in presentations ranging from solo recitals to musical theatre in concert halls and venues throughout the region.
“While the decision to cancel comes with great sadness, The Gilmore takes the safety and health of its guests, artists, volunteers, staff, and community very seriously,” the release said.
Related: Kalamazoo schools will close through April 5, governor orders
Multiple events across Kalamazoo have been canceled in fear of the risk of the virus in Michigan. Wednesday, March 11, all public universities and some private schools canceled in-person classes and moved instruction to online. Some Washtenaw County school districts canceled classes as a precaution against spread of the virus.
Cancellations of classes and events across the community came in the days after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency as the first coronavirus cases were confirmed in Michigan. Whitmer announced Thursday evening 10 new “presumptive positive” cases of the virus in Michigan and ordered all K-12 schools in the state to close.
Previously scheduled performances for the 2020 Gilmore festival included “2018 Gilmore Artist Igor Levit, “Late Show” bandleader Jon Batiste, megastar soprano Renée Fleming performing with renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin, the hugely talented Pink Martini, and rising jazz star Emmet Cohen,” according to the Gilmore.
The Gilmore is working to bring these artists back to West Michigan at a later date, the release said.
For those who have already purchased tickets, the Gilmore suggests people donate the value of the ticket and receive a tax deduction, request a credit for any Gilmore performances through the 2022 festival or receive a refund for the value of the ticket.
People should contact ccoleman@thegilmore.org or 269-3359-7311 with their ticket preference.
“The Gilmore expects a larger-than-normal call volume and will answer all calls in the order that they are received,” the release said. “The Gilmore encourages everyone to follow CDC guidelines and stay home as much as possible.”
While emails and calls are “strongly encouraged," the Gilmore box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
See MLive for a list of other cancellations.
Also on MLive:
Show canceled at Miller Auditorium amid coronavirus risk
Every Michigan public university suspends in-person classes due to coronavirus concern
Kalamazoo cancels all ‘non-essential’ city meetings to reduce risk of coronavirus
Kalamazoo Public Library cancels all community programs amid coronavirus caution