From the time that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) first impacted the performing arts several weeks ago, 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 information about COVID-19 preparedness as a service to the orchestra field. Find resources, guidance, and updates on the League’s coronavirus preparedness site.
To help limit the spread of the virus, the following arts organizations have recently announced postponements, cancellations, and other shifts in concerts and related activities. Several orchestras are now making videos, recordings, and livestreams available online free of charge, and many conservatories have moved to online learning. Please note that these organizations are revising their plans as the situation evolves; refer to their individual websites and social media for the most up-to-date information. (This list is not complete, and we will continue to post announcements as they arrive.)
The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra (Alaska) has cancelled its annual Symphony of Wines fundraiser on March 26. The orchestra is moving its wine cellar raffle and silent auction online.
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (Maryland) has extended the cancellation of all concerts through May 9. The governor has mandated the closure of public places, including Maryland Hall and the orchestra’s box office, through March 27. The orchestra states that its board of directors has created the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Musician Fund to help the players.
Chicago Sinfonietta (Illinois) has cancelled all community events through May 15. Sinfonietta’s May 9 and 11 concerts have postponed, and the organization is exploring opportunities to live-stream the performances.
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has cancelled performances at Bass Performance Hall through May 17, in accordance with government mandates limiting public gatherings. The orchestra has also cancelled its April 11 performance at Arborlawn United Methodist Church.
The Green Mountain Youth Orchestra (Montpelier, Vermont) has cancelled its April 5 concert and all subsequent concerts this spring as well as the remainder of its semester.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic (California) has cancelled all performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall through May 10. The orchestra had previously cancelled all concerts and presentations through March 31, following a mandate from the California health department prohibiting public gatherings.
The New World Symphony (Miami Beach, Florida), an orchestra training academy, has extended the closure of New World Center through the end of May and has cancelled the remainder of the concert season. New World Symphony, in collaboration with IDAGIO and Medici TV, will launch online streams of past performances and other content, some with new commentary from Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas, musicians, alumni, guest artists, and faculty.
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra (Florida) cancelled its March 21 and 22 concerts at the Reilly Arts Center. Additionally, the Reilly Arts Center, which is managed by the Ocala Symphony, has cancelled other performances and events. The Reilly Arts Center has launched a series of livestreams in multiple genres that includes performances by members of the Ocala Symphony, local bands and musicians, and a theater troupe.
The Pacific Symphony (Orange County, California) has announced the cancellation of its concerts on April 3 and 4, and April 23, 25, and 28. The orchestra had previously announced cancellations through March 31.
The Palm Beach Symphony (Florida) has canceled all concerts, social events, education programs, and community engagement activities until May 31.
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (Minnesota) has cancelled all performances from March 13 until March 29. The SPCO is highlighting its free online Concert Library of past performances, which was launched several years ago.
The South Carolina Philharmonic (Columbia, South Carolina) has postponed all events and performances through April 30. These include appearances and events at multiple nearby venues including the State Museum and the Koger Center for the Arts. The orchestra has announced the formation of a Musician Relief Fund.
The Springfield Symphony (Missouri) has cancelled its March 28 concert and related events at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
Symphonicity (Virginia Beach, Virginia) cancelled its March 22 concert at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
