The performance home of the Houston Symphony, Jones Hall, had some water penetration, « but we are fortunate that the stage and auditorium appear to have been untouched », Janet F. Clark, Board President of the Houston Symphony Society says in a statement. « Water did reach the basement level, where some equipment was stored, but we moved the most valuable and hard-to-replace items to higher floors prior to Harvey’s arrival. The Theater District garages are flooded and therefore are not accessible. »
And Mrs Clark continues: « We are eager to begin the clean-up and recovery process, and to provide an outstanding 2017-18 Season of concerts and community programs. »
The orchestra had to cancel this weekend’s performances of Ella at 100 on September 1-3. Decisions regarding next week’s performances, including The Best of John Williams in The Woodlands on September 6, Opening Night on September 9, and Fiesta Sinfónica on September 10, are pending further assessment.
Houston Symphony administrative offices and the Patron Services Center will be closed through Labor Day, on Monday, September 4. Yet there is uncertainty left: Clark says: « We hope to be back at work next week, but for our employees’ safety, we must ascertain the condition of offices and parking before announcing an official re-open date. »
