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 Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has cancelled the remaining concerts of its 2019-20 season, through May 24, due to coronavirus concerns. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts through May 17. The orchestra’s annual Concerts in the Garden series, June 5-July , is currently slated to proceed as scheduled.
The Omaha Symphony (Nebraska) has cancelled concerts on May 30-31 and June 5-6. An orchestra-with-film concert on April 26 and 26 has been postponed indefinitely. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts through April 30. The orchestra continues to expand its “Omaha Symphony | Anywhere” online initiative with educational videos, content from musicians, and broadcasts of recordings on 90.7–KVNO.
The Portland Symphony Orchestra (Maine) has cancelled all concerts as well as select events through the end of June. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts and events through May 17. Cancelled concerts include classical, pops, chamber, and youth programs.
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School (Providence, Rhode Island) has cancelled previously postponed concerts through May 2. The Music School has shifted to online instruction, and the orchestra and school are posting virtual performances by orchestra members, faculty, and students; archived Rhode Island Philharmonic performances; and video conversations with Artistic Advisor Bramwell Tovey. The orchestra is reviewing plans for its summer concerts in Narragansett, Providence, Bristol, and Pawtucket.
The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has announced that its April 18 concert, which was to be the final event of the current season, will now be performed on August 15. The orchestra is considering options such as social distancing for concerts in Memorial Auditorium and streaming concerts online in real time.
