While the Butler County Symphony Orchestra has canceled two shows for safety reasons during the pandemic, fans should take note that performances will still be available.

David Cosgrove, executive director of the symphony, said the “Evening of Serenades” planned for November and the “Holiday Traditions” concert scheduled for December have been traded for virtual concerts.

To keep musicians safe, Cosgrove said a chamber ensemble of 12 symphony musicians will perform a Baroque concert in November and a quintet will record a holiday brass concert for December.

The two groups will record their performances at the empty Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

The recordings will be released free to the public through the symphony's YouTube channel and Facebook page, and on the website, butlersymphony.org.

“It's complicated right now,” he said. “We held off the best we could, but the best way to keep people safe and provide music right now is through virtual concerts.”

Because smaller groups of musicians will be used for the virtual performances, about 40 musicians will not be needed until at least the first of the year.

Cosgrove said a fundraiser called “Keep the Musicians Playing” raised more than $5,000 through virtual concerts over the past three months in which symphony musicians and others recorded themselves playing their instruments at their homes. A week ago, the symphony sent checks to all its musicians. “It was fantastic,” Cosgrove said of the fundraiser.

The symphony's budget sees 25% to 30% of revenue coming from ticket sales, with the remainder coming from donations, fundraisers and sponsorships.

Cosgrove has no doubt the symphony will continue to thrive because of the county's enthusiasm. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive community behind this organization, who understands the value it brings to Butler County,” Cosgrove said.