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 Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra (Colorado) has cancelled its May 9 season finale due to the state’s stay-at-home orders. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts through April 5.
The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (Park Forest, Illinois) has cancelled its May 16 concert and all musician auditions scheduled for May 11 and 12. The orchestra plans to present works from this seasons’ cancelled programs during a future season.
The Music in the Mountains festival (Durango, Colorado) has announced modifications in its 2020 schedule, July 11-August 22. All performances by the Festival Orchestra have been cancelled, while other concerts and events are currently on hold. If possible, these events will be modified to fewer and smaller gatherings.
The Portland Youth Philharmonic (Oregon) has cancelled all remaining rehearsals for its four ensembles as well as all remaining concerts of the current season. The youth orchestra has moved to a virtual model for its musicians and is also hosting weekly video chats with current musicians as well as livestreamed conversations for the public. On March 11, the organization’s annual fundraiser was transformed into an online event.
The San Diego Symphony (California) has cancelled the remainder of its 2019-20 season. Concerts at Copley Symphony Hall are cancelled through May 30, and concerts on April 25 and May 12 in other San Diego communities have also been cancelled.
The San Francisco Symphony (California) has announced additional cancellations in the current season. The open rehearsal and performances on May 7–9 are now cancelled. The orchestra had previously postponed and cancelled events through May 3, including the cancellation of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra’s May 10 concert.
The Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra (Abingdon, Maryland) has cancelled its concerts in March and May. The orchestra will make a determination about its June 7 concert as mandates concerning COVID-19 are updated.
