Dear member of the Circle of Friends
We are approaching the new concert season. We have both good news and bad news to share.
The good news is that concerts can once again be played with an audience, which means that members of the organisation can come in for dress rehearsals and other rehearsals. BUT not as many as usual. This is where the bad news comes in. Not from us, not from DR, but as we all know, it's the Danish parliament and the authorities that set - shall we say - the rules of the game.
Politicians have decided to extend the restrictions for larger gatherings. In practice, this means that until 31 October, only 500 people are allowed in the Concert Hall at a time. This figure also includes the musicians and all DR staff in general. We must therefore recognise that there will not be room for everyone who wants to attend the rehearsals we are able to offer.
For our mutual safety, every other seat will also be empty, so you'll only get a ticket with an empty seat on both sides. However, if you book two tickets together, they will of course be seated next to each other, but with an empty seat in between. This is also due to the fact that, in our experience, many members come individually. You will of course get the best possible seats. Read more about DR's Corona measures here.
Due to the uncertainty caused by the Corona situation, we and DR have decided to initially only offer tickets for the first three events. It promises to be two fine rehearsals with the symphony orchestra and ”a single day at the office” with the vocal ensemble. Log in to the website to read more about the programme.
If the regulatory requirements change, you will of course be notified immediately. Just like the rest of this year's tests are expected to be offered in October. More detailed dates and programme will be announced on the website and by email to members.
DR will start selling tickets on 8 September at 10am, but here too there are changes. It will not be possible to buy tickets in person. Only by phone or via Billetlink on the organisation's website. On the other hand, the telephone service will be staffed in the Koncerthuset ticket centre to make it as easy as possible. On the website we have a guide on how to order tickets, here. Should there be any further problems, you can contact Milena and Niclas by phone and email.
While we're on the subject of the Corona curse, we're sorry to say that there will be no (self-)service of coffee during the rehearsal break for the time being. As soon as it is safe to do so, DR promises that water and beans will be added again.
As mentioned, all of this is something that neither Venneforeningen nor DR decides for themselves.
However, regardless of the restrictions, DR has informed us that the ticket price will increase to DKK 95 per ticket from the start of the season on the grounds that the previous ticket prices have not been able to cover costs. DR must not use licence fees (and tax money) to cover losses on non-programming events. This would be illegal state aid. Too bad for us, but just look at what it costs to get to the concerts themselves. Against this background, DKK 95 can still be considered cheap to hear music and songs at the very high level that characterises both orchestra and choir.
Finally, the board would like to thank the members for the support that most of you have shown by renewing your membership of the association for the coming season, even though none of us knew how it would turn out. As mentioned earlier, the purpose of the association is to support choirs and orchestras. That task has only increased during the pandemic. So here's a reminder to those who have not yet paid their membership fee for the season: We still hope you'll join - there's still time. The deadline is 1 September, and remember that a valid membership card is the first condition for us to be able to support the music and for you to find the direct route to tickets and other offers when they become available.
See you soon
The board of directors