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. 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.)
Mainly Mozart (San Diego, California), a music festival and music-education organization, has postponed all concerts and events through June. Mainly Mozart plans to resume production in August, with programming planned into December. The Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra has moved classes and one-on-one instruction online.
The Mid-Texas Symphony (Seguin, Texas) has announced the cancellation of its April 5 concert.
The Paducah Symphony Orchestra (Kentucky) has suspended the remainder of its 2019-20 season, which was to have included two concerts, due to the state’s prohibition of large gatherings. The two originally scheduled programs will be presented as part of a future season.
The Portland Symphony Orchestra (Maine) has cancelled all performances and events through May 17. Cancelled concerts include classical, pops and youth programs; cancelled events include a development event, open rehearsals, and other gatherings. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts and events through April 13. On March 24, the orchestra launched the PSO Musician Relief Fund to assist its players.
The Reading Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) has cancelled performances on April 18 and May 2 as a result of the governor’s stay-at-home orders.
Symphonicity (Virginia Beach, Virginia) has cancelled its May 3 concert at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in compliance with the state’s stay-at-home directives.
The South Carolina Philharmonic (Columbia, South Carolina) has rescheduled two concerts: the April 5 concert is now slated for June 7, and the April 25 concert is now postponed to June 25. The orchestra states that the new dates come with the caveat that performances will depend on the reopening of the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College and the Koger Center for the Arts.
