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 Mercury chamber ensemble (Houston, Texas) cancelled concerts starting on March 26 through the end of its 2019-20 season on May 10. Mercury is posting new performances by its musicians in a “Songs of Comfort” series featuring individual musicians and a “Social Distancing Ensembles” series in which small groups perform from separate locations.
The Mesquite Symphony Orchestra (Texas) cancelled its concerts on March 21 and May 9, which was to have been the final concert of the current season.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) has cancelled the remaining concerts in its 2019-20 season, which was to run through July 12. In addition, the orchestra has cancelled its European tour, which was to consist of twelve concerts in eleven cities in August and September, including appearances at the opening weekend of the Beethovenfest in Bonn and as the only American orchestra to play at the Salzburg Festival’s 100th anniversary season.
The Seattle Symphony (Washington) has cancelled or postponed performances through July 31. These include a Beethoven symphony cycle, family concerts, and orchestra-with-film performances. The orchestra is posting free livestreams, short performances by its musicians, concert rebroadcasts, and educational resources online.
The Waco Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has rescheduled two concerts from this spring to next season: a pops concert has been moved to April 8, 2021, and a Beethoven concert featuring Symphony Belles and Brass, a Waco Symphony program for high school students, will be given on March 20, 2021.
