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 Colorado Symphony (Denver, Colorado) has cancelled concerts and events through end of its season on May 31. In addition to full-orchestra concerts, cancelled events include in-school programs, chamber music concerts, an open rehearsal, and a performance by the Denver Young Artists Orchestra. The orchestra had previously postponed these concerts and events.
The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (Indiana) has cancelled its free Parks Concerts on June 10 and 11. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts on May 17 and June 6, and rescheduled the April 18 performance to February 27, 2021. The orchestra has launched a Virtual Performance Series on its social media channels; programming on the ICO YouTube channel includes video clips of past performances and live events with its musicians and guest artists.
The Magic Valley Symphony Orchestra (Twin Falls, Idaho) has rescheduled its April 24 concert to November 13, 2021.
The Naumburg Orchestral Concerts (New York, New York), a free series held in Central Park since 1905, has announced that it intends to move forward with its June and July concerts if health considerations and city regulations allow. The organization states that it will honor financial commitments to currently contracted musicians whether or not the concerts are canceled due to the pandemic. The 2020 season is slated to include the East Coast Chamber Orchestra on June 17; The Knights on June 24; A Far Cry on July 7; Marc-André Hamelin, Lara St. John, and the Ulysses String Quartet on July 14; and the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra on July 21.
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra (Idaho) cancelled its April 25 concert at Centennial High School Performing Arts Center in Boise. The orchestra’s annual free concert at the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park Bandshell in Meridian has been rescheduled from June 13 to September 11.
The Washington Idaho Symphony (Moscow, Idaho) has cancelled the remainder of the 2019-20 season. Cancelled concerts were to take place on March 28-29 and April 25-26.
