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 Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Birmingham, Alabama) has extended previously announced cancellations to May 30. Orchestra-with-film concerts on April 18 and 19 will be postponed, as will the annual Decorators’ Showhouse fundraising event in April and May. All other concerts are cancelled, including the May 9 concert by the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. The orchestra’s website is hosting #TunefulTuesday, online presentations featuring ASO musicians performing from their homes.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (Texas) has cancelled concerts through May 24; these include the remainder of the orchestra’s classical season and an organ recital. A May 1-3 pops concert will be postponed. The orchestra had previously cancelled concerts through April 29. The DSO launched “Watch + Listen” pages at its website, featuring newly recorded small-scale performances and archival orchestra concerts. The orchestra’s social media channels are posting daily “Music Minutes” from musicians.
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (South Carolina) has cancelled concerts through April 27. The League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra has postponed its annual fashion show and luncheon fundraiser and will announce new dates.
The Iris Orchestra (Germantown, Tennessee) has cancelled its May 2 and 3 concerts, due to limitations on large gatherings.
The Long Bay Symphony (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) has announced cancellations and postponements through the end of the season. A pops concert has been rescheduled from this spring to May 23, pending mandates concerning the pandemic. Pops at Marina Park, originally scheduled for April 4, has been cancelled due to the closure of the venue. An April 19 event has been postponed to next season.
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School (Providence, Rhode Island) has rescheduled its 75th anniversary gala from June 13 to October 11.
The Spartanburg Philharmonic (South Carolina) has cancelled events through May 15. These include the orchestra’s season finale on April 25, the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s concert on April 26, and a May 15 chamber concert by the orchestra’s brass quintet and woodwind quintet.
