The Show Must Go Online: Strathmore Adapts In Age Of Coronavirus

BETHESDA, MD — The new coronavirus has brought everyday life to a grinding halt. But the Music Center at Strathmore isn't letting that get in the way of performing for people hunkered down in place.

In a bid to make staying at home a little more enjoyable, Strathmore is taking its programming to the worldwide web. Throughout the week, people can tune in to family jam sessions, living room concerts, writing workshops, art talks, and other virtual community events.

Click here for a list of upcoming virtual events.

"A commitment to community has been part of our core mission since the beginning, and that doesn't stop with a pandemic," Lauren Campbell, director of Education at Strathmore, told Patch. "We know that many people in our Strathmore family cherish electric moments when we are all gathered together to witness artistry, and we know people need that connection more than ever in difficult times."

One of the sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic is the entertainment industry. Stay-at-home orders and non-essential businesses closures have sidelined musicians and artists during this public health crisis.

In an effort to support the struggling industry, Strathmore has hired a number of local artists to perform for the community online.

"We are so fortunate to have a vast network of brilliant musicians and educators that we can work with on virtual content," Betty Scott, director of Strathmore's Artist in Residence program, said. "We are tapping many of our current and former Artists in Residence from our roster extending back to 2005, to produce concerts from their own homes and create awesome educational content for kids."