Effective March 14, 2022, audience members will no longer be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test certification to attend performances, and the wearing of masks in Music Hall will be optional. This announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) publication of its latest guidance on COVID-19, which is based on hospitalization data and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Hamilton County, Ohio is currently categorized by the CDC in the ‘Low’ COVID-19 community level. Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops, and May Festival made the collective decision to modify these requirements. Scott Altman, President and CEO of the Cincinnati Ballet; Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO of Cincinnati Opera; Jonathan Martin, President and CEO of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops; and Steven Sunderman, Executive Director of the May Festival joined together in support of the new plan: “Regional COVID-19 data, the advice of our partners, the experts at TriHealth, as well as public health and government officials have informed our COVID-19 protocols from the very beginning, and we continue to be guided by the same data to inform our adjustments. As we approach the second anniversary of the onset of the pandemic, we’ve reached a new inflection point in the regional data which allows us to adjust COVID-19 protocols for audiences at Music Hall. We collectively share our gratitude to our arts and venue partners and ArtsWave for their collaborative efforts in ensuring effective and consistent protocols and to our audiences for their unwavering support and cooperation through the years.” Cincinnati Ballet performances at the Aronoff Center for the Arts will follow the same protocols. It’s important to note that these changes are reflective of the organizations, not the venues. If you have tickets for a non-CB event at these venues, different requirements may apply.
Updated Covid protocols go into effect on Monday, March 14, 2022.
These policies may change if there is another surge of cases. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have monitored regional Covid data, as well as public health and government officials, and implemented Covid mitigation protocols accordingly. We will continue to monitor conditions and adjust our protocols if circumstances significantly change.
We are committed to providing an enjoyable, comfortable, and safe environment to experience live performances. With the number of Covid-19 cases declining throughout the region, we adjusted our protocols to reflect the most up-to-date health information.
Covid protocol changes were based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest guidance which prioritizes hospitalization rate and number of new Covid cases in a community. Hamilton County has been categorized as Medium/Low, with cases continuing to trend in a downward trajectory.
There is no scenario in which risk of infection is zero. Unlike 2020 or early 2021, we now have ways to mitigate our personal risk of infection and hospitalization due to Covid. Audience members have the ability to control their own risk levels and attend a performance safely.
Disposable masks will still be made available to audience members who wish to use them. Additionally, hand sanitization stations are still placed throughout the hall for ease and accessibility. Audience members can opt for a largely touchless concert experience via out mobile ticketing and digital program books.
Masking remains a good option to protect yourself from the risk of Covid infection and exposure to those who are unvaccinated. Everyone is welcome to wear a mask at our performances, and we will continue to respect the decision to remain masked. We decided to say “optional” because we recognize that each person lives with unique circumstances and risk levels.
Yes, we can issue you an exchange or refund for your tickets if it is requested prior to the performance date.
Yes, guests will be permitted to take food and drinks into the theaters.
We implemented stringent Covid protocols that went above and beyond protocols at other venues locally and across the nation. Given that, and with the guidance of our partners at TriHealth, our protocols were deemed effective in reducing the spread of Covid.
It’s a judgment call, and each person has unique risk tolerance levels and susceptibility to the Covid virus. If older people wish to attend a performance, they may certainly wear masks. We are not stopping people from masking if they wish.
Yes, you are allowed to attend a performance. You may also wear a mask if you prefer.