The musical community has been strongly affected by the pandemic, especially those musicians — like classical musicians — who have relied on live performances to share their gifts with us.
Symphonies across the country are figuring out how to continue bringing music to their audiences while maintaining safety for everyone. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is among those finding a way forward.
The BSO is turning to digital concerts to avoid gathering audience members into an enclosed space and are taking multiple precautions to protect musicians, many of whom cannot wear masks while practicing or performing.
Additionally, the number of musicians on stage at once will be far fewer in order to maximize the space between individuals. Smaller ensembles will be separated by at least six feet.
Musicians will have temperature checks before entering the concert hall, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has engaged experts to perform aerosol testing and evaluate air flow in the space.
Thanks to these safety measures, we can all begin enjoying BSO sessions online. The concert series began October 14, and tickets can be purchased on the orchestra’s website.
The BSO is hardly alone, though. We’re fortunate that several major symphonies in the region are also making music available online:
- The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is offering a number of virtual performances. After investing in new technology for the 2020-2021 season, this group now has both live-streaming performances and provides access to previous performances. In addition, community members can go online for the popular ASO Chats, pre-concert musical discussions led by educator and pianist Dr. Rachel Franklin.
- The National Philharmonic has committed to a free, 15-concert season that streams every other Sunday at 2 p.m. The season started October 25 and will include both full orchestral concerts and chamber recitals.
- The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is preparing to resume performances with virtual offerings in January, when it will begin hosting events at the MSO Live! Virtual Concert Hall.