San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED
MARTHA GILMER, CEO, SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
It is beyond imagination that we find ourselves experiencing an international crisis which cuts us off from our natural desire as a species to come together in times of trouble. In good times and in bad times, we seek the company of those close to us. We derive consolation and comfort from many sources, and within every culture, there is a shared understanding that comes through music, art, theater, dance and other forms of cultural connection.
During World War II in London, when the art was removed from the National Gallery to protect it from bombing raids, concerts were held in the empty galleries for people to come together and listen. In the concentration camp in Terezin, musical performances, as well as theater and cabaret, were performed, including a vibrant and moving performance of Verdi’s Requiem.
When JFK was assassinated, the audience at the Boston Symphony first heard the news before a matinee performance, and the orchestra performed the slow movement of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony.
After 9/11, Broadway closed for only two days, and then gradually as a nation we returned to concerts, performances and theater to affirm our ability to gather together experiencing something together that is larger than any one of us. We have all been inspired over the last week to hear the Italians quarantined in their homes singing from their balconies.
For the present time, live performances are suspended so that we do not come together spreading a virus that threatens to infect many in our community. While we wait, we can in our seclusion experience recorded performances and messages from many artists through vibrant digital content.
When the threat subsides, and we can return to our natural desire to be together, the arts will be waiting to open our doors, turn on the lights and reconnect with our audiences. At that time, we will all value our privilege and need to experience and immerse ourselves in the music, the theater and our museums. After our loss of live performances, I believe they will mean more to us than ever before.
Until then, we miss our audiences already, and will continue to nurture our musicians, and all of those who make their music-making possible, supporting their lives until they can return to our stages and lift us up once again.
There is a shared understanding that comes through music, art, theater, dance and other forms of cultural connection.