SEATTLE SYMPHONY PLANS 2021–2022 SEASON FOR FULL AUDIENCES, REQUIRES VACCINATIONS OR NEGATIVE COVID-19 TESTS FOR ALL ATTENDEES

SEATTLE SYMPHONY JOINS LOCAL ARTS PERFORMANCE GROUPS TO ENSURE SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF SEATTLE AREA ARTS 

 Seattle, WA – The Seattle Symphony today announced that vaccinations will be required for all performance and event attendees at Benaroya Hall. Children younger than 12 years and individuals with a medical condition or closely held religious belief preventing vaccination can instead provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR diagnostic test taken within 48 hours of the performance start time or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours of the performance start time.  Self-reported negative test results that are not from a test provider, a laboratory or a health care provider cannot be accepted. Masks will also be required at all times in the venue, except while actively eating or drinking.  

These new policies are part of Benaroya Hall’s updated safety plan, which includes such protective measures as installation of a hospital-grade air ventilation system, increased cleaning protocols and contactless ticketing options. These measures, as well as the masking and vaccination policies, are the result of careful monitoring of public health data and feedback from Symphony patrons. The organization recently distributed a survey to more than 80,000 guests to determine what would make audiences most comfortable with a return to live performances. Participants’ responses demonstrated an overwhelming preference for a fully masked and fully vaccinated audience, which allows for the safe removal of socially distanced seating, thus increasing access to the magic of a live orchestra.  

Symphony executives anticipate vaccination and masking provisions to remain in place for the foreseeable future during the upcoming season and expect to review these policies on an ongoing basis, with the possibility of relaxing certain safety measures when recommended by health officials.   

The Seattle Symphony joins area performance groups — including Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The 5th Avenue Theatre, ACT - A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle Rep and Village Theatre — in requiring masking and vaccinations or negative COVID-19 testing to ensure a safe and successful return of the Seattle area arts.

Further information about the Seattle Symphony’s protective protocols can be found here, and concert schedules and ticket purchase options can be found at seattlesymphony.org.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY

Led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 730,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts.

###