Pandemic Uproots Philadelphia Orchestra Summer Travel Plans

This season, millions of individual trips were scratched and thousands of group journeys were called off, but when the Philadelphia Orchestra and its Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin cancelled its annual summer jaunts to Saratoga, NY and Vail, CO, it meant revoking hundreds of train and plane tickets, specialized cargo trips for instruments—try moving a 17th century cello valued at seven figures—and thousands of hotels, rentals and restaurant reservations.

Travel, domestic and international, has become an intricate part of the life of American orchestras, but who knew that the Philadelphia Orchestra launched its first tour just two years after it was founded, in 1900? Since then, it often carries the flag of its city but also the American flag. Indeed, it was the first American orchestra to perform in China.

Want a few numbers? During the 2018 Europe/Israel tour, 125 employees traveled 13,000 miles taking 6 flights to perform 11 concerts in 9 cities over 13 days. They carried 18.7 tons of cargo and performed for 16,000 audience members.

After only one week on the job last fall, Vice President Artistic Production Tanya Derksen found herself part of a touring party that included about 150 travelers (musicians, guests, staff members and stagehands) on her way to Taiwan, Japan and Korea.

“The logistic aspects are just incredible,” she said. “From transporting people of course, but also instruments and luggage from the hotels to the airports where each person is required to pick up their own and check it in personally.”

One staff person travels a day ahead of the group so for instance, when the travelers step into the hotel lobby, someone is already there, ready to hand them a key to their room. But because the Orchestra is constantly on the move, sometimes performing in a different city each evening, tours can be grueling.

“It’s hard to find time to practice,” said Principal Tuba Carol Jantsch, “Especially when your instrument is so large it travels on its own on a different flight.”

On his first tour with the orchestra 21 years ago, Concertmaster David Kim, wondered how to best spend his time on the few free nights.

“I am a foodie,” he said, “So I had to learn how to find the best soup dumplings in Shanghai and the best croissants in Brussels.”

One afternoon in Vail, where the Orchestra has performed every summer 14 years in a row, Mr. Kim and his wife decided to take the gondola up the mountain. But the weather in the Rockies can shift quickly.

“Suddenly,” he said, “After we arrived, the wind picked up and the station closed. It became obvious I might miss the concert.” His heart racing, Mr. Kim called the operations team, but he had to wait for the storm to pass.

“I ran as fast as I could once they reopened.” And the concert was held up until he showed up.

For Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, cancelling the summer season was a heartbreak.

“Not only for the musicians and the audience,” She said “But also because the Orchestra has been coming to this stunning 2,400-acres Spa State Park for 53 years. It’s woven into the fabric of the town.”

Bravo!Vail welcomes four different orchestras every summer. This season will feel very different.

“We’re used to seeing musicians strolling through town, instrument cases on their back,” said Executive Director Caitlin Murray.

And while the Orchestra’s famous warm sound will burst through the virtual waves this summer, these resort towns will remain eerily silent.