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 Billings Symphony Orchestra and Yellowstone Art Museum (Montana) have cancelled Summerfair and Symphony in the Park 2020, which were to be presented collaboratively by the two organizations June 26–28 at Pioneer Park. The Yellowstone Art Museum will move Summerfair online June 22–June 28, and will partner with the Billings Symphony on music for the Summerfair website. The Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale are presenting videos, recordings, and other media online.
The Boise Baroque Orchestra (Idaho) has rescheduled the final concerts of the 2019-20 season from March 28 and 29 to June 20 and 21.
The Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra (Idaho) has announced cancellations and postponements due to the pandemic. The orchestra has suspended its monthly concerts at Kootenai Health, and has cancelled its Saturday family concerts through May, after which musicians will play outside the Coeur d’Alene Library. The May concert at the Kroc Center has been cancelled; the orchestra hopes to perform free outdoor concerts in Coeur d’Alene City Park in June. The orchestra has postponed its annual gala and other events to August and September.
The Champaign-Urbana Symphony (Illinois) cancelled its April 18 concert. The orchestra is the professional orchestra in residence at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The Chicago Philharmonic (Illinois) has cancelled concerts on April 5, May 10, and May 23 at Harris Theater and Pick-Staiger Hall, with the intention to reschedule them next season. Concerts at City Winery on March 22 and April 26 have been postponed to future dates that will be announced.
The Nashville Symphony (Tennessee) has extended the suspension of all concert activity at Schermerhorn Symphony Center through July 3, with new dates to be announced. The orchestra has also postponed two June performances at Ascend Amphitheater, and has cancelled the entirety of its Community Concerts series at multiple venues in June.
The Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus (Georgia) has cancelled all in-person events through the end of July, due to the closure of the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and Columbus State University Schwob School of Music. Cancelled events include a chamber music recital, full-orchestra concert, and Summer String Camp. The youth orchestra has compiled a listing of free music and music education resources on its website.
