The Taiwan Philharmonic has begun performances for live audiences with cautionary measures in place under the leadership of Executive Director Lydia Kuo. She joins Classical Post to discuss reopening, adjusting the orchestra seating layout, remaining financially stable, American orchestras and more.

Classical Post: The Taiwan Philharmonic has begun performing again under new social distancing guidelines. Were audience members cooperative with cautionary measures including taking everyone’s temperatures, social distancing, wearing masks and wearing gloves?

Lydia Kuo: Yes, our audience is very cooperative. Not just in the concert hall, people in Taiwan all wish to have a safe environment and are carefully following all the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) guidelines. I believe that’s the main reason Taiwan can be safe today.  

CP: What considerations did you have in mind when deciding when and how to reopen in this unprecedented situation? Do you have any concerns? If so, what are they?

LK: We believe the CECC is the expert in this field, and we trust their judgment in terms of venue reopening. All we need to do is to make sure all the guidelines are fully executed, and we are also taking extra steps to make the experience even safer.   

CP: How is the Taiwan Philharmonic turning a profit or staying financially stable with a reduced audience and therefore a reduced ticket revenue?

LK: We are very lucky that there have been only two reduced-audience concerts since the outbreak, and we believe that in the very near future there will be full audience concerts. 

CP: Wearing a mask while playing a string instrument isn’t an issue, but it’s impossible to wear a mask and play a woodwind or brass instrument. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (which has brass and woodwinds) will be performed by The Taiwan Philharmonic on June 12, how is the symphony handling this issue?

LK: Additional measures the Taiwan Philharmonic has taken include adjusting the orchestra seating layout for increased spacing to 1.5 meters, the addition of clear plastic guards around orchestra members whose instruments preclude wearing masks, and enhanced disinfection protocols throughout the hall before and after performances.

CP: What is your impression on how American orchestral executives are handling COVID-19? 

LK: I learned that the Philadelphia Orchestra is actively planning lots of activities during the pandemic, including partnering with hospitals and streaming performances to patients’ rooms. They are doing lots of online activities including virtual masterclasses and weekly curated online programs from the archives. I think those are all very creative and inspiring approaches to keep the connection to society during this very difficult and strange time.

CP: What did it feel like to return to performing for a live audience?

LK: We've been expecting this day for a while, and we are very lucky and grateful that Taiwan is currently in a safe stage, allowing us to play live concerts in front of an audience again. We thank the CECC for their expert guidance, and we are also taking extra precautions for this concert, making sure that our orchestra members, stage staff, and the audience are safe while enjoying the music.