From the Community: Music in the Age of COVID

Photo owned by Emily Neat
As humans, we mark important moments of our life with rituals of transition and celebration. It goes without saying that the pandemic has drastically changed how we mark these milestones. For many high school seniors, their graduation memories will be defined by the cancellations and last-minute modifications that COVID-19 has required. 
 
For the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, one modified ritual has been their yearly Finale. This exciting concert, normally held in May, concludes the school year and celebrates the Orchestra’s graduating seniors. Since the 1970s, the concert has ended with the final movement from Josef Haydn’s Farewell Symphony as a tribute to the graduating class. The symphony is famous for the myth behind it, and the theatricality of its performance. In 1772, Haydn and his orchestra were staying at the summer palace of their patron, Prince Nikolaus I. When the composer’s musicians approached him with their desire to return to their families in Austria, Haydn worked their request into the composition of the symphony. It’s not clear on why he didn’t just bring this up to his patron, but his solution reveals his ingenuity. During the final adagio each musician stops playing, turns off their stand-light, and exits the stage so that at the end, only two muted violins are left playing. It’s a dramatic and striking end to a beautiful piece of music, and the metaphor is quite fitting for those leaving the orchestra. 

Since the concert couldn’t be held in May this year, the Orchestra collectively decided to hold it in August as an outdoor performance. This allowed for safety regulations to be properly followed (social distance, fresh air, mask requirements, etc.)  as well as the chance to enjoy a mild summer evening. 
 
The Finale was a beautiful and moving tribute to CKYO’s talented graduates and a fitting end to a hot summer. The Lexington Art League was happy to host this event, and we’re grateful that we could offer a safe venue for this special event. As we grapple with the ever-changing landscape of our pandemic-stricken world, we believe that creative solutions will require interdisciplinary collaboration. The Art League believes that a thriving community is built on a thriving arts scene, and we’ll continue to be an advocate and partner for Lexington’s artists – performers, musicians, craftspeople, and writers.  

​Author: Aaron Reynolds
Aaron Reynolds is the curatorial intern for the Lexington Art League. He holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and visual studies from the University of Kentucky, and is now working towards an MFA in curatorial studies.