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 orchestras, musicians, conservatories, and others are posting videos, recordings, and educational resources online free of charge; visit the League of American Orchestras’ new, regularly updated directory of digital programming at SymphonySpot.org. Note: orchestras and festivals are revising their plans as the situation evolves; refer to 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 Arapahoe Symphony (Littleton, Colorado) has suspended the remainder of its 2019-20 season. The orchestra hopes to reschedule its March 27 program, which was to feature a world premiere by Jack Frerer and as well as a performance by the winner of its concerto competition for young musicians, and is exploring the possibility of a performance over the summer.
The Boulder Philharmonic (Colorado) postponed its concerts on March 21, 22, and April 25 due to coronavirus concerns. New dates will be announced.
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic has cancelled its April 25 and 26 concerts. The orchestra will pay contracted musicians their base salary for the rest of this season, whether concerts occur or not.
The Eugene Symphony (Oregon) has postponed concerts through summer. The orchestra states that musicians hired to perform in March or April will be paid for those services even though the work itself will not happen until a later date. The orchestra is posting streams of previous concerts and Music Director Francesco Lecce-Chong is hosting “Watch Parties” on Facebook.
The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has announced the cancellation of its May 8 concert in accordance with city-wide restrictions on large gatherings.
The Monteux School & Music Festival (Hancock, Maine) has cancelled its 2020 summer season.
Founded in 1943 by conductor Pierre Monteux, the school and festival offer a six-week program for conductors and musicians that includes concert performances. The 2020 festival will take place digitally due to COVID-19.
The Pueblo Symphony Orchestra (Pueblo, Colorado) has postponed its April 26 concert, which was to include Cañon City High School’s show choirs. The orchestra will announce new dates.
