The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced it will cancel its summer season at the Hollywood Bowl due to COVID-19 concerns. (photo by Fred George)

In response to the guidance of public health officials and in an effort to protect artists, audiences and staff from the spread of COVID-19, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association canceled the 2020 seasons at the Hollywood Bowl and the Ford.

Seasons at these two L.A. County venues, normally scheduled from June through September, are programmed by the LA Phil and feature a wide range of artists, including the LA Philharmonic.

“The Hollywood Bowl and the Ford [Theatres] are much more than performance venues,” said Gail Samuel, president of the Hollywood Bowl and chief operating officer of the LA Philharmonic Association. “They are iconic places and represent summer traditions that have played a part in defining Los Angeles itself.”

The LA Phil estimates revenues lost from these canceled concerts, as well as a portion of the orchestra’s spring season, will result in a roughly $80 million loss in revenue.

To mitigate these losses, the LA Phil must take additional steps to address the financial impact caused by the pandemic. The association is furloughing approximately 25% of its full-time non-union workforce, as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra through Sept. 30, and laying off seasonal Hollywood Bowl employees.

Prior to these decisions, the association reduced all non-essential expenses, and made the decision to draw from its resources. Cost-saving measures such as these will continue through the summer.

Chad Smith, the association’s chief executive officer, said the cancelation of their summer programs, and resulting impact on their musicians and staff is devastating.

“We are all broken-hearted by the effects of this crisis and share the disappointment of all those who look forward to the [Hollywood] Bowl and Ford seasons every year,” Smith said. “As we deal with this public health emergency, our task now, which we share with all of Los Angeles, is to go forward with strength and resilience, knowing we will get through this with one another’s help.”

He added the LA Phil has existed for more than 100 years, the Hollywood Bowl and Ford for almost as long, and they are taking necessary steps to ensure they all remain for the next century.

To preserve the LA Phil as it faces an unprecedented financial strain, the association launched the $35 million campaign “Play Your Part.” The campaign will support the association’s ongoing operations and programs, including the LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles program and other educational initiatives, which serve more than 150,000 youth, families and teachers every year.

As part of the overall campaign, Hollywood Bowl ticket holders will have the option of supporting what has been a summertime tradition for generations of L.A. families by donating the value of their tickets back to the LA Phil, raising an initial $1 million from a challenge grand from Jane and Michael Eisner.

“Now that these wrenching but necessary decisions have been made, all of us who understand how much LA Phil does for Los Angeles must do what we can to bolster this great institution and keep it vital for the future,” said Thomas L. Beckmen, LA Phil board chair. “We get so much inspiration and pride from the LA Phil, whether it’s performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Bowl, whether it’s reaching out to young people through YOLA or presenting diverse programs at the Ford. For everyone who can, this is a time to reciprocate and play our part.”

“This makes me heartsick for all the county residents who have made the Bowl and the Ford a treasured ritual of each summer, although this is the best decision to make in the face of the threat from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, 3rd District. “The board of supervisors will continue to work closely with these great cultural institutions as we work our way through this crisis and ensure their stability for the future.”

The LA Phil will continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and will reassess the association’s situation as necessary.

For information about donating to the LA Phil or how to manage tickets, contact them by email at information@laphil.org or by phone at (323)850-2000.

For information, visit the laphil.com.