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 Beaverton Symphony Orchestra (Oregon) cancelled all concerts from March 13 through the end of its current season on May 17, due to coronavirus concerns. The orchestra is posting videos made by its musicians online.
The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) has canceled the remainder of its 2019-20 season. The final concert of the season, on May 16, was planned as the last for outgoing Music Director Stephen Gunzenhauser. The orchestra is posting a “Musicians at Home” series on its Facebook platform.
The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (Hagerstown, Maryland) cancelled its July 4 concert at Antietam National Battlefield. This would have been the orchestra’s 35th annual concert and fireworks display at the historic site. The orchestra previously cancelled concerts at the Maryland Theater through June 30. The orchestra is posting concert recordings online, and its musicians are creating educational videos and live video masterclasses for Washington County Public Schools.
The Newport Symphony Orchestra (Oregon) cancelled its March 21-22 concerts at the Newport Performing Arts Center due to the COVID-19 shutdown of public events. The orchestra will announce plans for the coming season.
The Utah Symphony (Salt Lake City, Utah) has announced postponements and cancellations at its 2020 Deer Valley Music Festival in Park City. The nineteen-concert festival was scheduled to run from July 3 to August 12, with eleven full-orchestra concerts at Deer Valley’s Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, eight chamber groups at St. Mary’s Church, small performances by Utah Symphony musicians at art galleries, and concerts featuring pop-music stars. No concerts will be presented at the Snow Park Amphitheater this summer, and new dates for other events will be announced. In late March, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera had cancelled the remainder of the orchestra’s 2019-20 season.
