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 Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) has cancelled the final concerts of the season on May 17 and 18. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts on May 5, 6, and 7.
Glyndebourne (East Sussex, U.K.) has cancelled its 2020 Festival, which was scheduled to present six operas from May to August. The organization had delayed its opening to July 14, but the persistence of the pandemic has led to the cancellation of the entire festival. Glyndebourne has announced a virtual festival opening on May 24 with streams of complete operas, for free, every Sunday.
The Peninsula Music Festival (Ephraim, Wisconsin) has postponed its 2020 festival to 2121 due to the pandemic. Originally slated to run for three weeks this August, the festival is now scheduled for August 3-21, 2021. The festival states that conductors, guest artists, and programming will migrate as-is to next summer.
The Racine Symphony Orchestra (Wisconsin) has cancelled its June 26 pops concert at Festival Hall, to limit the spread of the pandemic.
The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) announced the cancellation of its March 14 and April 25 concerts; these concerts had previously been postponed. The orchestra is posting videos from its musicians as well as previous performances on its social media channels.
The Williamsport Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) has postponed its May 12 concert to September 22, and has cancelled its June 6 concert, which had originally been scheduled to be performed on March 14.
