February 17, 2021

2020-21: The Resiliency Season

The orchestra field spent the summer of 2020 listening, learning, negotiating, testing, analyzing, soul searching, and innovating. The goal: laying a foundation for a viable future and creating a structure for, if possible, a 2020-21 season.

February 2, 2021

Navigating Uncertain Times

Witnessing the dramatic changes seen through 2020 – brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the national conversation on racial justice, among other factors – The Wallace Foundation commissioned AEA Consulting to create a scenario planning toolkit, seeking a way to help arts and culture organizations deal with the likelihood of a “new normal” featuring few certainties.

January 27, 2021

The Score: Winter 2021

News and updates from orchestras everywhere. In this issue: League helps secure federal COVID-19 relief package that includes support and resources for orchestras; concert halls and performing arts centers serve as polling places and orchestra musicians play as voters cast their ballots; orchestras perform in parks, drive-ins, and an airport hangar; advancing the careers of women in classical music.

January 27, 2021

Sounds from a Distance

Thrilling sound is one of the defining characteristics of orchestra concerts. But the pandemic has reordered priorities: outdoor performances and safety protocols like masks and distancing require new approaches to acoustics.

January 27, 2021

Studying Safer Concerts

Orchestras and scientists are joining forces to study the spread of the coronavirus so they can bring back live music— safely. These collaborations are part of the innovative approaches orchestras are taking on multiple fronts during the pandemic.

January 14, 2021

Operations

November 24, 2020

Shifting from Stage to Screen

How and why are orchestras moving musical content to digital platforms—and creating entirely new experiences for virtual audiences? Is this a short-term response or the future of our field? How can we create compelling content to compete with endless options for online entertainment just a click away? How do we keep focused on our mission, our audiences, and our quests for greater equity and accessibility when our primary means of contact are electronic?

November 10, 2020

Balancing Acoustics and Physical Distancing as Orchestras Return to their Halls

When we gather to convey a message through music, both audiences and artists crave the full breadth of sound. As we return to live performances in our concert halls, we must balance the need to create a safe space for performers and audiences with artistic expression and acoustics.