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 resources and information about coping with the pandemic as a service to the orchestra field. These resources include information about the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security package; discussion groups and one-on-one consultations for League members; guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and other authorities; and more. Find regularly updated resources, guidance, and information 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. Many classical-music organizations 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 platforms for the most up-to-date information. (This list is not complete, and we will continue to post announcements as they arrive.)
The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra (California) has cancelled its April 4 concert, following recommendations from state and local health organizations.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (Maryland) announced the cancellation of all concerts and events through May 24 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, the Music Center at Strathmore, and other venues. All development events are also cancelled. This is in addition to previously announced cancellations through April 12. The orchestra has launched BSO OffStage, an online content platform that most recently posted a video of the orchestra virtually performing the final minutes of Mahler’s Third Symphony.
The Fort Smith Symphony (Arkansas) has postponed its April 25 concert and will announce new dates.
The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Arkansas) has postponed its March 21 and May 2 concerts.
Symphony Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) had postponed its March 21 and 22 concerts; those concerts are now scheduled to be performed on June 6 and 7.
The Verde Valley Sinfonietta (Sedona, Arizona) has cancelled its March 29 concert at the Sedona Performing Arts Center.
The Winston-Salem Symphony (North Carolina) has postponed or cancelled all remaining 2019-20 concerts through May 31. Concerts on April 19, May 3, and May 5 have been cancelled, and several concerts and events in April and May have been rescheduled for summer and fall. The Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Orchestras Program concert on May 11 has been cancelled; the symphony is working on an alternative playing experience for its Youth Orchestras musicians on July 18.
The Women’s Orchestra of Arizona (Phoenix, Arizona) has postponed its April 26 concert to fall 2020.
