By Cori Wilbur

June 25, 2020

“Jack shall have Jil

Nought shall go ill;

The man shall have his mare again,

And all shall be well.”

-William Shakespeare (“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Act III, Scene II)

As a “thank you” to all of the essential workers in San Diego, and everywhere else, who have selflessly fought during the pandemic to keep us safe, the San Diego Symphony decided to come together, to virtually perform Mendelssohn’s “Nocturne”, in a gesture of support and appreciation. Music Director for the Symphony, Rafael Payare, felt this piece of music and featured quote from Shakespeare were a great way to convey the community’s gratitude for these workers and hope for a united future.

Kelsey Buller, Public Relations Manager for the Symphony, said that one challenge of creating this performance, was how to configure the same synergy of being on stage together, while being separated at home. However, the musicians of the Symphony rose to the challenge and provided a beautiful homage to these workers who allow us to still play our music and create our art. Featured images for the compilation were sourced through a call-out to staff, volunteers, musicians and local organizations. 

“To all the front-line workers and essential workers, we are doing this from home,” says Payare at the end of the video. “And [we] wouldn’t be able to do this, with all of your effort.” From the San Diego Symphony, from us at Vanguard Culture and the entire San Diego arts community, we truly would not be able to carry on without the labor of these essential workers.

You can watch the performance here: