From the time that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) first impacted the performing arts several weeks ago, The Hub has been tracking postponements and cancellations by U.S. and international orchestras, performing arts centers, and conservatories.
The League of American Orchestras is posting information about COVID-19 preparedness as a service to the orchestra field. Find resources, guidance, and updates on the League’s coronavirus preparedness site.
To help limit the spread of the virus, the following arts organizations have recently announced postponements, cancellations, and other shifts in concerts and related activities. The organizations are offering a variety of options to exchange, donate, refund, or adjust previously purchased tickets. Please note that orchestras and performing arts centers are revising their plans as the situation evolves; refer to their individual websites and social media for the most up-to-date information. (This list is not complete, and we will continue to post announcements as they arrive.)
The Arapahoe Symphony (Littleton, Colorado) has cancelled the two final concerts of its 2019-20 season, on March 27 and May 1. The orchestra is monitoring the coronavirus situation and is developing plans to reschedule the March 27 program to the summer or fall.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (Maryland) has announced that it will cancel or reschedule all concerts and public events through April 12 at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and The Music Center at Strathmore. The March 20 Donor Celebration has been rescheduled for July 1. OrchKids, the BSO’s free music-education program, will offer current after-school instrumental students live, online private instruction, with additional content curated by OrchKids teaching artists. The orchestra had previously announced cancellations through March 21.
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) has cancelled its April 11 concert and has postponed its May 2 fundraiser until 2021. The orchestra states that due the fact that it is a single-employee organization, processing information and ticket requests may take an extended period of time.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra (Massachusetts) is extending performance and event cancellations at Symphony Hall in Boston and at the Linde Center at Tanglewood through May 2, including performances at Carnegie Hall on April 14 and 15. The orchestra had previously announced cancellations through March 27.
The Canton Symphony Orchestra (Ohio) has cancelled or postponed all events through May 8. At this time, only some concerts are being rescheduled due to lack of availability in the hall where the concerts take place; updates will be announced.
The Cliburn (Fort Worth, Texas), which produces the Cliburn Piano Competition and other programs, has cancelled all or postponed all events through May 30. The 2020 Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition and the Classically Cliburn Gala will be rescheduled; this Cliburn Concerts, Cliburn in the Classroom programs, and Cliburn in the Community events are canceled.
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has cancelled its March 27, 2020 concert due to the University of North Texas’ closure of the Murchison Performing Arts Center.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.) has cancelled all public performances and events through May 10. The Kennedy Center campus and its facilities will be closed to visitors. The Kennedy Center had previously cancelled public performances and events through March 31. The Kennedy Center is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, among other groups.
The Minnesota Orchestra (Minneapolis) is cancelling all performances and events through April 28. These include full-orchestra concerts, open rehearsals, presentations at other venues, and small-ensemble concerts in the community.
The New York Youth Symphony (New York City) has cancelled the remaining concerts for the 2019-20 season, including a concert at Carnegie Hall. The NYSS will move the curriculum for its young musicians online, including seminars, practice and listening assignments, and masterclasses.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) has announced the cancellation or postponement of concerts through April 30. Cancelled performances include full-orchestra concerts, education events, and concerts for students. The orchestra has rescheduled a pops program from March 20-22 to June 30 and July 1 and 2. The Pittsburgh Symphony had previously cancelled concerts and events through the end of March.
The Shreveport Symphony (Louisiana) has cancelled concerts through May 3, in accordance with the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Cancelled performances include classical and Broadway concerts as well as free, non-ticketed chamber and family concerts. The orchestra had previously cancelled its March concerts.
The Stamford Symphony (Connecticut) has announced the cancellation of all concerts for the rest of the season due to the closure of the Palace Theater; this includes concerts on March 21 and 22, April 18 and 19, and May 3. The Palace Theater is following directives from the governor that limit gatherings to 50 people. The orchestra had previously cancelled its March concerts. The Stamford Symphony is working to create a digital space to share musical and artistic content.
The Reno Chamber Orchestra (Nevada) will postpone its April 4-5 concerts as well as its annual Derby Day fundraiser on May 2, with new dates to be announced. The orchestra had previously cancelled its March concerts.
The Wichita Symphony (Kansas) has announced the postponement of the remainder of its 2019-20 season, through May 16. The Sedgwick County Health Department recently imposed a ban on events larger than 50 people, formerly set at 250. The orchestra had previously announced the postponement of its March concerts.
