Music In A Time Of Covid

Music in a time of Covid It’s a case of innovate or go under. From drive-in opera to face-masked players, musical bodies must find a way to keep going during the pandemic, says Claire Jackson

- Claire Jackson

Musicians are not strangers to PPE: many orchestral players wear hearing protection during rehearsals—and at post-concert after-parties (useful when avoiding drunken fans). However, few instrumentalists and singers, even those involved in hospital concerts and music therapy, are used to wearing masks. When members of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra donned black facewear for a recent broadcast from Prague’s Rudolfinum, the effect was striking.

It was also, unintentionally, rather comical. Having a gaping hole to gain access to the mouth —as woodwind and brass players need—presumably negates many of the protective qualities. Besides, any instrument that relies on breath to create sound (including voice) is not ideal to be around during a pandemic. There’s a reason why brass players often bring a towel on stage.

As we continue to navigate a semi-lockdown existence, ensembles such as the Czech Phil are taking an important interim step: the live-streamed concert. Many organisations, including the country-house opera companies, have been sharing archive performances, but now it’s possible for some performances to resume, albeit to empty halls.

This year’s Proms will comprise a mixture of formats, opening with the BBC Grand Virtual Orchestra, where performers contribute from their respective locations, and ending with a Last Night held at the Royal Albert Hall. Whether there will be any flag-waving prommers present remains to be seen.