Carnegie Hall today announced its decision to cancel the remainder of its 2019-2020 season, including all events in its three performance venues through July 2020, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
In addition, free Carnegie Hall Citywide performances in venues throughout New York City through June 21 are cancelled. Earlier this month, Carnegie Hall announced that it was cancelling all performances and live programming from March 13 through March 31 to battle the spread of the virus. The Hall later extended the closure through May 10 in line with executive orders by City and New York State government officials banning large events in New York City as well as guidelines issued by the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
While Carnegie Hall will be closed throughout the summer, plans currently continue toward convening the Hall’s three national youth ensembles—the National Youth Orchestra of the USA, NYO2, and NYO Jazz—beginning July 1, but with significant program alterations. Given current complications with international travel, all touring for these three groups has been cancelled for summer 2020, including NYO Jazz’s previously announced tour to South Africa. The three ensembles will instead share their music-making with local audiences through activities centered around their residency at Purchase College, State University of New York. Carnegie Hall continues to monitor public health conditions and will share further updates on this program later in spring 2020.
“Given Carnegie Hall’s primary commitment to the health and safety of the public, its artists, and staff, we had no choice other than to close the Hall through the end of the season in light of this ongoing crisis,” said Clive Gillinson, executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall. “While it is deeply disappointing not to be able to welcome our artists and concertgoers back this season, our team continues to work tirelessly to develop meaningful new ways to continue to connect with audiences, bringing the power and inspiration of music to people everywhere at a time when we all need it more than ever.”
