The Los Angeles Philharmonic and Music Director Gustavo Dudamel at the Hollywood Bowl in one of the orchestra’s SOUND/STAGE virtual presentations in 2020.
“Virtual events are here to stay, despite the return of music festivals, movies and comedy shows, after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, according to new data published Thursday by United Talent Agency,” which represents entertainment-industry professionals, writes Ryan Faughnder in Thursday’s (6/24) Los Angeles Times. “Three out of four people attended an online event during the pandemic, according to a survey of 1,000 consumers by … the research and strategy division of the Beverly Hills talent agency…. Three-fourths of consumers surveyed said they plan to attend virtual music or gaming events post-COVID-19…. The findings are somewhat surprising given that the survey also found a high level of pent-up demand for the return of in-person events after the pandemic.… 96% of respondents plan to return to some form of live entertainment event once it’s safe…. Livestreamed shows can be a benefit for fans who can’t make it to the actual concert in person because of timing or cost…. Surveys are not always reliable predictors of behavior. However, the UTA data are the latest to indicate that some behaviors consumers picked up during the pandemic will not fade away with the virus, especially when it comes to streaming.”
