LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association today announced the cancellation of the remainder of its previously scheduled concerts for the 2020/21 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall through June 9, citing guidance from public health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
While the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford are closed to the public due to COVID-19, the LA Phil plans to continue bringing its music and programming to audiences through media partnerships and digital initiatives into next year, officials said.
Those programs include new episodes of the LA Phil's SOUND/STAGE, which brings together short concert films with essays, interviews and bonus performances by various artists, and “In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl,'' a six-episode television series hosted by LA Phil's music and artistic director, Gustavo Dudamel, airing on PBS stations nationwide starting Jan. 15.
“Cultural institutions like ours must be a part of the very fabric of our community, and during this challenging time we must strive to inspire and empower people even more through our music and programming,'' Dudamel said. “We must reach across genres through screens, livestreams and more, and remember that each note we play also carries with it an element of hope for the future and a desire for a better world. In the end, I believe that music and art will heal the soul of our community.''
A “Play Your Part'' fundraising campaign was launched in May to help mitigate the anticipated $105 million revenue loss the LA Phil will experience as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign helps support the LA Phil's operations and programs such as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), which have continued to operate throughout the pandemic.
“As we look forward to brighter days, we must ensure that the LA Phil remains vibrant and is supported until we are once more able to gather,'' said Board Chair Thomas L. Beckmen. “The LA Phil continues to be here for all of us, and so we must play our part in bolstering this great institution so it can serve the people and communities of Los Angeles and the world long into the future.''
The LA Phil will continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic and will reassess the association's situation as necessary, officials said.
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