Practical Lessons to Ensure The Post-COVID-19 Survival of Professional Symphony Orchestras

Abstract

This paper focuses on the immediate impact that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) had on the professional orchestra industry in the United States. Before the pandemic, this industry faced many challenges including but not limited to lack of funding, being able to fill the seats in the concert hall, and serving a diverse audience. This paper is meant for those who are looking into going into the symphony orchestra field as a manager as well as others who are committed to the future health of live classical performance. By having access to this information, a prospective manager will be able to understand how symphonies were running before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19); as well as the lingering effects and changes of fundraising and programming that were put into place after the pandemic began. The intention is to understand ways we can prevent the United States from losing its beloved symphony