The weekend may have been exactly as wet as the weather forecasts predicted, but the Canberra Symphony Orchestra has no regrets about going ahead with its signature Prom concert on Saturday.
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While the forecast for Saturday was dire, organisers of the large-scale event, held each year on the grounds of Government House, pressed ahead based on predictions that the Saturday rain would ease by late afternoon.
But the evening was wetter than predicted, with many people staying home, forfeiting their ticket price.
CSO chairman Angus Houston sent an open letter to patrons on Monday, explaining the orchestra's decision, and thanking the ''1000 or so brave souls'' who did attend.
He said that while the weather on Saturday had not been ideal, there were thunderstorms predicted for Sunday and rain forecast for the following weekend.
''The CSO has a duty of care to our patrons, musicians and staff, and under these dangerous and unsafe conditions [on Sunday], the Prom would not have been able to proceed,'' he said.
A CSO spokesman later said no refunds would be offered, as the organisation had - in following the Bureau of Meteorology's advice - employed best practice procedures for staging outdoor events.
''We proceeded with the concert on this advice and in good faith - and we delivered the full concert program as advertised,'' the spokesman said.
''Under these circumstances, the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Practice states there is no right of refund as the event was presented in full.
''The CSO shares the disappointment of patrons that the Prom was affected by wet weather.''
Tickets were $25 and $60 for families.
It wasn't the first time rain had marred the popular outdoor performance; in 2012, the event was cancelled and all tickets refunded when poor weather forced the orchestra to cancel the event.
This year's program featured French music, as part of a joint program commemorating World War I.
''It was a beautiful concert and it was especially warming to see people dancing to the can-can,'' Mr Houston said.
''After months of intense work to bring this concert to the stage, the CSO regrets any inconvenience caused to our valued patrons.
''The decision to proceed on Saturday was not taken lightly as the CSO works hard to deliver enjoyable concert experiences to our community.''
