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 Cape Symphony (Hyannis, Massachusetts) has rescheduled its June 13 and 14 concerts to August 22 and 23. The orchestra is unable to perform at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, its home venue, due to the governor’s decision to close schools through the end of June.
The Colorado Music Festival (Boulder) has cancelled its 2020 season, which was scheduled to take place June 25 through August 1. Music Director Peter Oundjian is working with artists to create a Virtual Colorado Music Festival, with details to be announced.
The Des Moines Symphony (Iowa) has postponed its free outdoor concerts this summer. The July 2 concert at the Iowa State Capitol had been rescheduled to September 7 in the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park; it will be a Labor Day tribute to healthcare workers and first responders. The orchestra’s Water Works Pops series, originally scheduled July 24-26, will also move to the Labor Day weekend. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts and public events through June 14.
The Hawaiʽi Symphony Orchestra (Honolulu) has cancelled concerts on May 29, May 30, May 31, June 6, and June 7 at Blaisdell Concert Hall as well a June 5 concert at the Kailua Park District Pavilion. The orchestra had previously canceled performances in March and April and suspended rehearsals following the closure of the Blaisdell Center, its primary venue.
The Oconomowok Chamber Orchestra (Wisconsin) cancelled its April 18 masterclass and performances and its April 19 concert. The orchestra is posting videos of recent performances and events online.
Ravinia (Highland Park, Illinois), the summer music festival, has cancelled its 2020 season, which was to run June 12-September 16, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute, a summer conservatory, will also be closed. Ravinia has operated continuously since its 1904 opening, except for 1932–1935 during the Great Depression. The organization is developing online content, including lectures, master classes, and rehearsals for the public-school students who participate in its programs as well as for the young professional musicians who were accepted in Steans Music Institute this year.
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (Madison, Wisconsin) has postponed all concerts through May 8, with new dates to be announced. The organization has deferred the start of its annual Concerts on the Square series by five weeks; the six concerts will now take place July 28-September 1. The orchestra’s musicians are posting performances from their homes as part of a #coucherto series, and the orchestra is posting recordings of previous concerts.
