PORTLAND — In response to the rise of the highly contagious and virulent Delta variant, and out of concern for the health and safety of the Portland Symphony Orchestra musicians, staff, volunteers and concert-goers, the PSO has implemented a series of new safety measures.

Unless otherwise directed by city, state, or federal health officials, these policies will be in effect until at least Nov. 9, when PSO will reassess these safety protocols. Any changes to these current measures will be announced on or around that time.

Effective immediately, all PSO audience members, staff, and volunteers attending concerts will be required to:

• Provide proof that they are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization or the Food and Drug Administration, or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. The last dose of the vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days prior to the concert date.

• In lieu of proof of vaccination, the PSO will accept a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 48 hours of the concert start time or a negative COVID-19 rapid (antigen) test within 12 hours of the concert start time. This includes children younger than 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

• Wear a mask at all times while in Merrill Auditorium, unless actively eating and drinking or being otherwise exempt from wearing a mask because of a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For important information about vaccine requirements, including valid forms of verification and ID, as well as about negative COVID-19 test requirements and masking, including prohibited types of masks, visit portlandsymphony.org.

Current ticket holders or subscribers unable to comply with these safety protocol may opt to take advantage of free exchanges into other PSO concerts in the 2021-22 season by calling PortTIX at 207-842-0800.

These guidelines will be in place for the following concerts:

CLASSICAL

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Onward: A PSO Homecoming: Eckart Preu, music director; Michelle Cann, piano

John Stafford Smith, “The Star-Spangled Banner;” Aaron Copland, Fanfare for the Common Man; Daniel Sonenberg, First Light: A Fanfare for Maine; Florence Price, Piano Concerto in One Movement; Ferde Grofe, Grand Canyon Suite

POPS

Saturday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 24, 2:30 p.m.

Celtic Spirit: Jayce Ogren, guest conductor; Eileen Ivers, violin

Escape to Ireland with the music star of Riverdance and nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Eileen Ivers. Described by The New York Times as “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin,” Ivers and the PSO will take a journey through Celtic music and tradition.

POPS

Saturday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 7, 2:30 p.m.

Piano Men: Eckart Preu, music director; Joe Boucher, piano and vocals

PSO stage manager Joe Boucher returns with the successful Piano Men, a tribute to the generation-defining music of Billy Joel and Elton John.

Tickets and subscriptions to the PSO’s 2021-2022 season including digital season access and in-person concerts are available at portlandsymphony.org.