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.)
Carnegie Hall (New York City) has moved the summer residencies of its national youth ensembles—the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), NYO2, and NYO Jazz—to an all-digital format. From July 6-17, the more than 200 teenage musicians in the programs will participate in online training, mentorship, and performances. Details about the national youth ensembles’ summer 2020 digital offerings, including events available for viewing by audiences at home, will be announced in June.
Chamber Music Northwest (Portland, Oregon) has cancelled its spring concerts and all Summer Festival concerts and events. This would have been the organization’s 50th anniversary and David Shifrin’s 40th and final summer as artistic director. Chamber Music Northwest will be the focus of a five-part series on All Classical Portland 89.9 FM featuring previous concerts. From June 22 to July 26, the organization will present a free Virtual Summer Festival of earlier performances. Despite the cancellations, Chamber Music Northwest has paid its 88 festival musicians half of their compensation and has committed to continued employment for year-round staff.
Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra (New Mexico) cancelled its May 2 and 3 concerts due to the closure of the New Mexico State University campus. The orchestra may reschedule those concerts in August, depending on the status of the pandemic.
The New Jersey Youth Symphony (Berkeley Heights, New Jersey) has suspended all in-person activities, including lessons, rehearsals, concerts, and other events until the end of the season on May 17. The youth orchestra is continuing sessions remotely through its online platforms, and auditions will proceed as scheduled.
The New Sussex Symphony (Newton, New Jersey) has postponed its May 16 concert indefinitely, due to coronavirus concerns.
The New York Philharmonic (New York) has announced the cancellation of all summer 2020 performances. These include the 55th season of free Concerts in the Parks throughout NYC; the sixth annual Shanghai Orchestra Academy and Partnership, a two-year post-graduate program for advanced students in China; and the orchestra’s 18th consecutive appearance at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival in July. The orchestra has been broadcasting past performances on Facebook and YouTube since March 26, with most available on-demand afterward.
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (Canada) has announced cancellations and postponements through July 2. The orchestra has cancelled its annual summer series of concerts at several locations, due to restrictions on large gatherings until September. In addition, concerts on June 21 and 28 have been postponed to the summer of 2021, and concerts on June 24 and July 2 have been postponed to a date that will be announced.
