CULTURE
THINKING AHEAD Performing Arts Leaders Reveal Plans for Next Season WORDS BY KEITH LORIA The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc for many industries, and those in the arts community have been impacted substantially: shows cancelled, seasons ended and highly anticipated performances scrapped. As summer begins, there are more questions than answers about the coronavirus, making it difficult for arts leaders in the D.C. area to plan for their upcoming season. Since artists need to be locked in and shows need to be arranged, everyone is doing their best to plan a season that can happen in the current environment. The Washington Chorus had to cancel four major concerts from March to May of 2020 in response to Covid-19, losing more than $100,000 in ticket revenue. Additionally, its planned collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra for performing and live recording Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 has
been postponed from June 2020 to a future NSO season. Still, this is an exciting time for the chorus, especially as it welcomes Dr. Eugene Rogers this season as its new artistic director. “We are avidly engaged in conversations with community, education and artistic partners to develop programs and opportunities to share, learn, perform, create and grow in the months and years ahead,” executive director Stephen Marc Beaudoin says. “We believe that innovation and a commitment to inclusive excellence will guide some exciting programs including online masterclasses and at-home open singws, film and music collaborations, livestreaming concerts, house parties when it’s safe to begin gathering in small groups, and much more.”
Washington Performing Arts President and CEO Jenny Bilfield at home desk. Photo courtesy of Bilfield.
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