(Credit: Arenda Oomen) The government of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced a strict lockdown over fears of a rapid spread of the new and aggressive Omicron SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus variant. The country will officially enter lockdown on Dec. 19. The lockdown is due to remain in place until at least January 14, 2022. Per the government’s decision, cafes, bars, {…}
(Credit: De Nationale Opera official website) The Royal Concertgebouw has announced the cancellation of all concerts that were set to begin after 5. p.m. until Dec. 18, 2021. For the remaining concerts, the Royal Concertgebouw has been limited to maximum of 425 spectators in the Main Hall, which is a quarter of the seating capacity. The orchestra noted that it {…}
(Credit: De Nationale Opera official website) The Royal Concertgebouw and De Nationale Opera have announced that they are forced to cut the number of audience members for upcoming concerts and operas following a new restrictive measure brought forth by the Dutch government. Per official statements, both venues will be allowed to admit up to 1,250 spectators per the performance. Since {…}
(Credit: Eduardus Lee) The Royal Concertgebouw has announced the cancellation of the Mahler Festival 2021 due to restrictions imposed on concert halls and orchestras as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Per an official statement on the Mahler Festival 2021 Amsterdam website, “Concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by {…}
(Credit: © DR / Opéra National de Paris official website) The Royal Concertgebouw has announced that the famed conductor Fabio Luisi will not lead the orchestra during the 2020 Christmas Matinee on Dec. 25, 2020. Maestro Luisi has tested positive for COVID-19 and has to spend 10 days in quarantine. Additionally, tenor Piero Pretti had to cancel the performance due {…}