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, guidance, and information on the League’s coronavirus preparedness site.
To help reduce the spread of the virus, orchestras and other music organizations are obeying government bans on large gatherings, adhering to shelter-in-place orders, and complying with guidance from health authorities. The following organizations have recently announced postponements, cancellations, and other shifts in concerts and related activities. Several orchestras are posting videos, recordings, and concert streams 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 pages for the most up-to-date information. (This list is not complete, and we will continue to post announcements as they arrive.)
The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra (Indiana) has announced August 15 as the new date for Alfred Savia’s final concert as music director, a performance of Puccini’s Turandot followed by a celebratory afterparty. Savia’s farewell concert had originally been scheduled for April 25.
The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (Canada) has suspended the remainder of its 2019-20 season in accordance with government restrictions on large gatherings. On its “MCO at Home” site, the orchestra is posting videos of archival concerts; new content for which its musicians will be paid; and teaching resources for K-12 teachers and parents from the orchestra’s interactive learning guides and archival concert recordings.
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (Tennessee) has announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2019-20 season. The orchestra states that it will continue paying musicians through the coronavirus crisis. New content by Memphis Symphony musicians and Music Director Robert Moody is being posted on social media, and radio station WKNO FM 91.1 is broadcasting archival performances by the orchestra on alternate Fridays.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Australia) has cancelled or postponed all performances until June 30, due to the extended closure of concert venues including Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Recital Centre, Costa Hall, and Robert Blackwood Hall. Pops and film-with-orchestra performances will be rescheduled. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts through April 13. The orchestra has been streaming performances on its YouTube channel since March 16.
The Omaha Symphony (Nebraska) has cancelled and postponed all concerts due to the shutdown of the Holland Performing Arts Center and Joslyn Museum through April 30. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts through the end of March. The orchestra has launched “Omaha Symphony | Anywhere,” an initiative featuring broadcasts of archived recordings on 90.7 – KVNO, online education videos for students, teachers, and families, and social media content from musicians.
The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra (Oklahoma) has cancelled concerts through April 24. The orchestra’s new #MusicUnitesAll online program invites the community to post videos of themselves, family, or friends singing or playing “America The Beautiful” and to tag the Tulsa Symphony and use #MusicUnitesAll.
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (North Carolina) has cancelled concerts through May 10 in compliance with guidelines from the state and recommendations from the CDC.
