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 and information on the League’s coronavirus preparedness site.
The following orchestras and music organizations have recently announced postponements, cancellations, and other shifts in concerts and related activities due to the global pandemic. 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 music 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 Asheville Symphony Orchestra (North Carolina) has cancelled concerts from March 21 to its season finale on May 9, following health recommendations from the CDC and the City of Asheville.
The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) has postponed all concerts and events in March and April. New dates will be announced.
The Firelands Symphony Orchestra (Huron, Ohio) has postponed its March 22, March 28, and April 18 due to oncornavirus concerns. New dates will be announced.
The Mansfield Symphony Orchestra (Ohio) has cancelled and postponed concerts through May 8 due to the mandated closure of the Renaissance Performing Arts Center. The Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra’s spring concert has been cancelled.
The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (Massachusetts) has cancelled the final concert of its season on May 23. The orchestra plans a replacement season finale on August 21. The orchestra is posting new videos on its website and social-media platforms featuring its musicians performing from their homes and other locations.
The Oregon Bach Festival (Eugene, Oregon) has postponed its 2020 festival, originally slated for June 26-July 12, until the summer of 2021. This was to have been the festival’s 50th anniversary. Local radio station KWAX-FM Classical Oregon is broadcasting and streaming recordings by the Festival Orchestra. The Bach Oregon Festival is a program of the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance.
The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (New York, New York) has announced cancellations and a postponement. The orchestra has cancelled its May 2 concert, which was to include members of Sphinx Virtuosi, and its June 6 concert; both were to take place at Carnegie Hall. Orpheus will reschedule its May 19 annual gala to a new date in the 2020-21 season. On April 24 and 25, the Violin Channel will livestream discussions and performances in a two-day Orpheus Festival. Orpheus is also posting playlists of its recordings online.
