Hollywood Bowl Cancels 2020 Season For The First Time In Nearly A Century

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association confirmed in an announcement early Wednesday (May 13) afternoon that it will cancel its entire summer season for the first time in nearly 100-years.

The photo of the Hollywood Bowl days before it cancels its 2020 Summer season amid coronavirus pandemic by Makayla Symmonds

The Hollywood Bowl was set to kick off its Summer with a performance by Daryl Hall and John Oates on May 29th, 2020. Many artists scheduled to play including, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alice Cooper, Playboy Jazz Festival, Alanis Morissette, Ozzy Osbourne, Halsey, and more have all been called off due to the coronavirus outbreak and the health safety threat of large-scale gatherings.

The Hollywood Bowl shared this public statement on their Instagram Story:

In a press release, Philharmonic Association CEO Chad Smith said “The cancellation of our summer programs and the resulting impact on our 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 Bowl and Ford seasons every year. 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. The LA Phil has been here for more than 100 years, and the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford for almost as long. We are doing what is necessary to ensure that we are all here for the next century.”

The cancellation will be financially devastating for the Hollywood Bowl, citing a budget loss of around $80 million with the temporary closure of three venues; The Bowl, the Ford Theater, and Walt Disney Hall. Information on refunds has not been released as more details will be forthcoming.