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 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (New York City) has extended cancellations through the end of its 2019-20 season on May 19. Domestic and international touring engagements have been cancelled. Additionally, CMS has cancelled its annual July Summer Evenings Festival, scheduled for July 8-15. The organization states that all 2019-20 concerts cancelled due to COVID-19 will be rescheduled as a festival in the 2021-22 season and that the cancelled Summer Evenings Festival will be rescheduled in the summer of 2021. The 2019-20 season marked the organization’s 50th anniversary.
The Dearborn Symphony (Michigan) has postponed its April 3 pops concert and cancelled its May 8 concert. The orchestra announced that although it had to cancel the annual children’s concerts due to coronavirus precautions, the musicians were paid. The orchestra will provide updates when more information about state prohibitions on large gatherings becomes available.
The Flint Institute of Music (Michigan), parent organization of the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra, Flint School of Performing Arts, and Flint Repertory Theatre, has extended the suspension of all events and performances through May 31. Flint School of Performing Arts and Rep Education programs are suspended through the end of the spring term on June 6. The Chamber Music Series scheduled for June 5, 12, 19 and 26 has been postponed.
Indian Hill Music (Littleton, Massachusetts), which comprises a music school, an orchestra, and a presenting organization, has announced updates to its schedule. All professional concerts and presentations have been cancelled or postponed through the end of June. Indian Hill Music School has suspended on-site activity until May 4; the school is moving to distance learning, and private lessons will take place through an online instructional model.
The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (Michigan) has suspended or postponed concerts through June 20. In March, cancelled events included free performances at local hospitals and a full-orchestra concert for young audiences. Cancelled April events include an April 3 orchestra concert, a free concert at a church, and an annual performance at Sarkozy Bakery. The May 22 season finale concert is currently proceeding as scheduled. The June 20 orchestra-with-film concert has been postponed.
The Madison Symphony Orchestra (Wisconsin) has cancelled its May 1-3 season finale concerts as well as an April 30 open rehearsal. The May 5 Overture Concert Organ performance has been postponed, with a new date to be announced. The orchestra’s annual Concert on the Green fundraiser scheduled for June 15 has been cancelled. The orchestra is posting slideshows, program notes, and other content on its website and social media.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (Massachusetts) has suspended the remainder of its season through May 9. This temporary closure affects all remaining SSO performances, chamber concerts, youth orchestra performances, and education programs in the 2019-20 season.
The Worcester Youth Orchestras (Massachusetts) will not hold in-person rehearsals or events for any of its ensembles through May 4, following state bans on large gatherings. The organization’s annual Four Orchestras Festival, which featured guest youth orchestras, has been rescheduled to May 17.
