From the time that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) first impacted the performing arts, 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 coping with the pandemic as a service to the orchestra field. Find resources, guidance, and updates on the League’s coronavirus preparedness site.
To help reduce the spread of the virus, orchestras and other music organizations are obeying government bans on large gatherings, adhering to shelter-in-place orders, and complying with guidance from health authorities. The following organizations have recently announced postponements, cancellations, and other shifts in concerts and related activities. Several orchestras are posting videos, recordings, and concert streams online free of charge, and many conservatories have moved to online learning. Please note that these organizations are revising their plans as the situation evolves; refer to their individual websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information. (This list is not complete, and we will continue to post announcements as they arrive.)
The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra (North Dakota) cancelled its March 21 and 22 concerts, with no rescheduled dates in the near future.
The Grand Rapids Symphony (Michigan) has cancelled concerts and events through May 10. Two weeks ago, the orchestra cancelled all concerts through April 11.
The Las Vegas Philharmonic (Nevada) cancelled its April 4 concert due to the shut-down of its main venue, the Smith Center, through March 31.
The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale (Texas) has announced the cancellation of all remaining spring concerts, with the exception of a Chorale concert that has been rescheduled for October 17. The orchestra states that it will pay its musicians for the cancelled concerts.
The Minnesota Orchestra (Minneapolis) has cancelled its summer tour to South Korea and Vietnam due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, the June 21-July 3 tour was intended to mark the 25th anniversary of restored diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, and to foster connections with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, where Vänskä was recently appointed music director.
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic (Oklahoma) cancelled its March 20 and 21 concerts and rescheduled its April 4 concert for May 30, due to the closure of its primary performance venue, Civic Center, through March 31. The orchestra’s May 1, 2, and 3 concerts have not been changed at this time.
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (Florida) has postponed all events through April 30, with future dates to be announced. Performances of The Daughter of the Regiment at the end of March by the Orlando Opera, with which the Orlando Philharmonic performs, have been cancelled. The orchestra has cancelled its April 19 Young Composers Challenge event.
The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra (New Jersey) has announced that concerts scheduled for April 25 and May 16 are cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The PSO also announced that the 2020-2021 season will open on October 3 with the performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”) that was originally scheduled for April 25.
The Portland Columbia Symphony (Oregon) has announced the cancelation of all remaining activities during the 2019-20 season, including May 1-3 concerts, a sensory-friendly concert on May 2, and all community engagement events. The symphony states that there will be no rescheduling of events before the June 30 fiscal year-end.
The Savannah Philharmonic (Georgia) has announced the cancellation of the rest of its 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include concerts on April 18 and the previously rescheduled June 20 concert.
The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (Sioux Falls, South Dakota) has announced the cancellation and postponement of concerts and events through May 5. Cancelled events include full-orchestra and chamber music concerts, and the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra’s May 3 concert. Auditions for musicians for the South Dakota Symphony and concerts on April 18 and 19 are postponed.
The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has postponed the final concert of the current season, which was slated to take place on April 18. A new date will be announced. At this time, the WFSO is looking to reschedule its August 15 concert.
