Category: music

“Since March 16, the [Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale’s] four ensembles have been hosting nine Zoom rehearsals every week, while its sister organization, Philadelphia Girls Choir, is running roughly 14 among its four ensembles.” Reporter Cassie Owens watches a rehearsal and talks to director Jeffrey Smith about how he pulls it off. – The Philadelphia Inquirer

“The opera company’s drivers have been using their cabs to help deliver food to Tesco stores in Scotland, as supermarkets face unprecedented demand from shoppers during the coronavirus crisis. … Alex Reedijk, Scottish Opera’s general director, said the company had been linked up with Tesco after the supermarket chain contacted a local general haulage company asking for help.” – The Stage

“The Ojai Music Festival has joined the list of coronavirus cancellations, … marking the first time since its founding in 1947 that the annual celebration of experimental classical music will not be held.” This year’s guest music director was to have been German composer Matthias Pintscher. – Los Angeles Times

Yes, it’s because of the coronavirus. “‘Our artists, staff, directors and shareholders are devastated by this sad but inevitable turn of events,’ says Hazard Chase managing director, James Brown. ‘Our world has been torn apart in less than a month.'” – Classical Music (UK)

“CEO Deborah Borda said that the orchestra has negotiated a new interim deal with its musicians: They will be paid in full until March 31, and then accept reduced pay for the next two months. Health insurance and instrument insurance will continue through the remainder of the current contract, which expires September 20.” – Vulture

Ultra’s attempt at virtuality illustrated what happens when the vehicle of that nihilism, the global economy, grinds to a halt. However grim it might have seemed before, the end result is weirder still. “This,” a user called historicalfigure9 wrote on the subreddit, “is depressing.” – The Daily Beast

Says one freelance photographer and bartender, “All my jobs have been canceled at the photo studio, and now my safety job has disappeared too.” One academic who studies the music industry says, “Only 5% of promoters and 30% of artists can continue their careers in this environment, and they weren’t well off to begin with. … In short, they’re screwed.” – Los Angeles Times

The singer “said that he is currently in good health but decided to get tested after experiencing ‘fever and cough symptoms.'” – CNN

This week’s edition of what we can watch while stuck at home and missing all of the culture outside our walls. – The New York Times

Inspired by Italy, Rogers Park got itself together to sing the popular 1980s rocker’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The singer himself joined in via Instagram, and a local radio station changed its playlist so the song would start precisely at 7 pm. “As the final chorus hit, one neighbor even began tossing rose petals out of the window while singing.” – Block Club Chicago