AMSTERDAM, May 28 2020 – Under the baton of Gustavo Gimeno, the Concertgebouworkest has been working towards a configuration on the ground floor of the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw which would allow it to perform symphonic repertoire while duly observing all coronavirus measures in force. The rehearsals, in which the players maintain a distance of 1.75 m from one another, have shown that it is quite possible to perform symphonic works scored for not too large an orchestra in such an arrangement and – at least for the moment – without an audience.
The rehearsals have also established that the Concertgebouworkest can operate within the framework of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Security Region COVID-19 Emergency Order (Noodverordening Covid-19 Veiligheidsregio Amsterdam-Amstelland), dated 8 May 2020, which provides for such a possibility by way of an exception to the general ban on gatherings. Article 2.1.2.b of the order states that “gatherings deemed essential to the continuity of the day-to-day operations of institutions, companies and other organisations may continue to be carried out, provided that they consist of no more than 100 people and as long as those gathered can maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from one another.”
The orchestra will be streaming Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony on Wednesday, 3 June at 8.15 p.m. and live-streaming Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony on Friday, 5 June at 8.15 p.m. Conducted by Toronto Symphony Orchestra music director-designate Gustavo Gimeno, the concerts may be watched at www.concertgebouworkest.nl and the orchestra’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, media partner of the orchestra, will be sharing the streams through the website of Radio 4.
