Moves have begun to resume performances of classical music, which have been delayed or canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Various experiments are being conducted to determine how to prevent infections during performances, among the audience and performers alike.
On June 11 and 12, the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (TMSO) held trial performances at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo's Ueno area, seeking to determine what would be a safe distance between the on-stage performers. In the June 11 session, which involved only string instruments, the distance between performers was initially 2 meters. It was reduced to 1.5 meters, and then to 1 meter, with such elements as changes in the acoustics being examined each time.
Experts in such fields as particulate engineering and infectious diseases participated on June 12. Percussion and wind instruments were involved, as were singers, performing such works as "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart. The dispersal of droplets on the stage was measured.
The experts' advice included such comments as, "The droplets aren't flying that far," and "You can wear masks, but if it's easier to perform without them, you can take them off."
Overseas orchestras are also experimenting to determine a safe distance between performers.
TMSO Music Director Kazushi Ono said: "Keeping sanitary is our first priority. But we can't, as a result of that, present something to our audiences that does not satisfy them musically. We conducted the experiments in order to formulate guidelines to serve as the Japan model amid these circumstances."
The orchestra intends to publicly release its analysis of the results. They will likely serve as a guide for such groups as amateur orchestras and school brass bands to resume their activities.
Staying safe
A council for the promotion of classical music performances, composed of sponsors and others, has devised a set of guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus.
To prevent infections among audiences, the council recommends preparing such items as sanitizer and thermometers, as well as sanitizing such areas as doors and handrails. Other directives include having audience members wear masks at all times and refrain from cheers such as calling out, "Bravo!"
Seating should in principle be reserved, and efforts should be made to secure distance between families and other groups.
The guidelines further call for sufficient space between performers on stage, and avoiding having them face each other at close range. An appropriate distance should also be kept between performers and the front row of the audience, the guidelines say.
Regarding such performances as choral groups and operas, the guidelines say only that the council will continue to discuss the matter with related parties.
Many people object to the government's target for attendance at various events to be limited to 50% or less of the venue's capacity, saying it is too strict.
Orchestras sell many seats for their regularly scheduled performances through subscriptions for certain periods, such as six months or a year. The Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, for example, has already sold about 60% of the seats for its concert series this fiscal year through such subscriptions.
"Some members have subscribed for many years in order to secure good seats," said YNSO Executive Director Hiroshi Tsumura. "It would be difficult to adjust that to half or less."
Tsumura added: "We've finally gotten to the point where we can break even by combining full houses with subsidies and other means. At half full, we'll go further into the red with every performance."
Revenue from performing has dried up as groups have refrained from performing since the end of February, and many groups say they are in danger. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the value of live performances, but many obstacles remain before audiences can enjoy music as they used to in the past.
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