The Allentown Symphony Association (ASA) has announced an extension of event cancellations-postponements of ASA-promoted events at Miller Symphony Hall (MSH) through Dec. 31, as well as an update on planning for a re-imagined season which could include socially-distanced, reduced capacity events and virtual concerts.

The ASA, in partnership with the NB Center for American Automotive Heritage, Allentown, will hold “Classic Cars & Concerts,” a drive-in theater fundraising event, 6 p.m. Oct. 1. The event will feature the ASO with excerpts of concerts, talks with musicians, and Diane Wittry’s interviews with guest artists.

Patrons will see classic cars on display, enjoy hors d’oeuvres with special mocktails and have the chance to participate in a raffle for jewelry valued at more than $1,000.

“Diane Wittry [ASO Music Director and Conductor] and the ASA team are working to reimagine events with exciting ways for patrons to experience them,” said ASA Executive Director Al Jacobsen in a Sept. 15 press release.

“The fall season and beyond will present 60- to 70-minute, intermission-free concerts featuring smaller orchestra and chamber music ensembles, a socially-distanced hall with new safety protocols in place for in-person events, new virtual content on Miller Symphony Hall@Home (mshathome.org) and the ability for our patrons to view concerts at the hall from home,” Jacobsen said.

“El Sistema Lehigh Valley, an important education program of the ASA, continues in full force with online teaching and virtual concerts, not missing a beat as we celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary,” said Jacobsen.

“Although we do need to cancel in-person events through Dec. 31, I am hopeful that we will be announcing virtual streaming concerts while we are not able to gather at Miller Symphony Hall.

“This has been a challenging time for us all, but we are in a unique position as the owner and operator of our historic venue, Miller Symphony Hall, in that we can plan and reschedule events with a nimbleness that similar organizations cannot manage, making shifts in programming as restrictions during the pandemic evolve.

“Through all of this, we have relied on our patrons and our community for their support, understanding and their faith in this organization. We are working diligently to reimagine our world and bring music back to Miller Symphony Hall,” Jacobsen said.

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shutdown, the ASA had previously announced cancellations and postponements of events through Aug. 31.

Following is a listing of changes to the MSH concert schedule from Sept. 25 - Dec. 31.

Events canceled as originally scheduled:

• Sept. 25: The Steve Sandberg Quartet, “Jazz Upstairs”

• Sept. 26: “John Williams - A Musical Tribute,” ASO Pops*

• Oct. 10, 11: “Brahms and Rachmaninoff,” ASO Classical*

• Oct. 24: “The Mark of Zorro,” The Allentown Band

• Nov. 14 & 15: “Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy,’” ASO Classical*

• Dec. 19: Jim Brickman - “Magic of Christmas.” Brickman’s in-person tour has been cancelled. The ASA is working with Jim Brickman to present a virtual concert for Allentown audiences Dec. 19. More information is to be announced.

*While the three ASO events will not take place on the originally-scheduled dates, re-imagined ASO programs for the season are being planned for 2021.

“Jazz Upstairs” still tentative:

• Oct. 16: Don Braden

• Nov. 20: Viktorija Gecytè with Gene Perla Trio

• Dec. 18: Craig Thatcher and Nyke Van Wyk

The “Jazz Upstairs” concerts have not been canceled, but are tentative until virtual live streaming events and-or social distancing performances are permitted if capacity restrictions are lifted.

Private rental events at Miller Symphony Hall are being handled on a case-by-case basis.

Information: www.MillerSymphonyHall.org; info@allentownsymphony.org; 610-432-6715