To tap a pop music reference, orchestral maneuvers have generally gone dark in the time of COVID-19. Orchestral culture, internationally, has been seriously affected, with seasons truncated or canceled, and historic organizations reeling in the pandemic’s wake. Locally, the fallout has translated to the radical retooling — or absence — of such cherished institutions as the Ojai Music Festival; the live, in-person version of the Music Academy of the West; the vitally important CAMA concert series; and Camerata Pacifica.
On a positive note, however, the Santa Barbara Symphony will launch a seven-concert season from The Granada Theatre this Saturday, October 17. That show, Cabaret with Kabaretti, will be the Granada’s first live event since March, and although the series will initially be streamed to audiences, it’s possible that, as restrictions loosen, people may be able to attend some of the later concerts in person.
Kabaretti admits that “the easiest decision would have been to cancel everything and follow other organizations that went dark, but it has never crossed my mind. We are committed to this community, to our loyal supporters, musicians, staff, and audience.… This is our time to tell the thousands of people who make our large family, ‘We are here with you and for you, doing whatever we can to enrich your lives also during these times.’