With the arrival of the pandemic, the world changed dramatically for orchestras. Theaters and concert halls were closed, concerts and events were cancelled, and orchestras were forced to cut short their seasons.
Jesse Rosen steps down as the League’s president and CEO this September after a distinguished twelve-year tenure. But his links to the League—and to the orchestra field—go back much further.
News and updates from orchestras everywhere. In this issue: the League of American Orchestras issues statement of solidarity with Black Lives Matter; orchestras and musicians respond to racial injustice; how the classical-music field is coping with the pandemic; League’s Catalyst Fund advances equity, diversity, and inclusion.
While lead negotiators may have stepped away from the table, Congress continues to consider the scope and scale of the next massive package of COVID-19 relief. The details really matter, and you can add your voice once again by contacting Congress this week, alongside colleagues in the broader performing arts sector.
Continued Advocacy Needed! Next Federal Relief Package Nears Completion; Quick Federal Policy News; Steep Artist Visa Fee Increases and Policy Changes to Take Effect October 2, 2020; U.S. House Recommends NEA and Arts Education Increases for FY21; Music Education is Essential
The League joined more than fifty national organizations issuing the statement, Arts Education Is Essential (PDF), which succinctly reminds school administrators and the public that — especially in the context of COVID-19 — arts education contributes to the social and emotional well-being of students, encourages student expression, and is essential to a well-rounded education for all students.
Last month, the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives advanced all twelve of its funding bills for FY21, followed shortly by passage by the full House of a package containing nearly all of them.
Last month, the Appropriations Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives advanced all twelve of its funding bills for FY21, followed shortly by passage by the full House of a package containing nearly all of them.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied the requests outlined in detailed comments (PDF) submitted by the League and national nonprofit arts stakeholders in response to the DHS December proposal to impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications. DHS finalized (PDF) its fee increases and policy changes, to take effect beginning October 2, 2020
In the summer of 2020, the League of American Orchestras issued a Statement on Racial Discrimination expressing how it is coming to grips with the history and impact of racism within the League and the wider community of orchestras, and committing to sustained action.