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.)
The Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (San Francisco, California) has postponed its June 13 Pride Concert to September, with a new date to be announced.
The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra (Camarillo, California) has postponed its April 4 and 5 concerts, which were to be held in Camarillo and Ventura. New dates will be announced. The chamber orchestra’s June 6 and 7 concerts remain scheduled as planned.
The Coachella Valley Symphony (Palm Desert, California) has postponed its March 22 and April 19 concerts to new dates in its 2020-21 season that will be announced.
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (Park Forest, Illinois) has canceled the in-person portion of its April 25 annual gala and moved to a virtual format that will be open online from April 17 to April 25. The purchase of a ticket to the online gala will include a cocktail party featuring an Illinois Philharmonic string trio at later date, when it is safe to gather in person. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts through May 16.
The Los Angeles Youth Orchestra (Encino, California) has postponed its spring 2020 concerts. The youth orchestra will announce updates and information about the auditions in May for its 2020-21 season in the coming weeks.
The Marin Symphony (San Rafael, California) has cancelled the remainder of its 2019-20 season, due to the mandated closure of the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium through May 11. Cancellations include concerts on March 21 and 22, April 25 and 26, and May 9, as well as a benefit event on May 23.
The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (California) has cancelled concerts on April 3 and 4 and May 1 and 2. The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra’s May 2 season finale concert has been rescheduled to May 30. The Modesto Symphony’s May 29 and 30 concerts are slated to take place as originally planned.
The Pacific Symphony (Costa Mesa, California) has cancelled and postponed concerts through mid-May. A pops concert originally scheduled for May 1 and 2 has been rescheduled to June 19 and 20. The orchestra has cancelled its concerts on May 7-10. The Pacific Symphony Youth Ensemble concerts on May 9, 11, and 12 are also cancelled. The Pacific Symphony had previously cancelled and postponed concerts through the end of April.
