Musicians hit a high note with online shows

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has hugely impacted all aspects of life. The performing arts market is no exception with concert halls and venues closed, shows canceled or postponed while musicians and audiences find themselves isolated from live music.

However, watching streaming concerts has become a new trend among music lovers in China.

On March 13, Blue Note Beijing launched an online program offering music lovers livestreaming shows of jazz performances for free, which was available on major video sharing website, Youku.

The first show was done by Italian singer-songwriter Chiara Civello, who livestreamed her performance from her studio in Brazil. The musician was supposed to perform for 30 minutes, but in reality it lasted for an hour, thanks to the warm response from the fans.

Another livestreaming show was from Grammy-nominated trumpeter, composer, and producer Christian Scott, also known as Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, who performed at Blue Note in New York on March 14. Despite the time difference, more than 50,000 people watched the livestreaming shows and the maximum number of concurrent viewers was about 2,000 people, which equals the number of an actual audience multiplied by five, as Blue Note in New York can accommodate 400 people.

However, only three shows were successfully livestreamed since Blue Note New York has suspended operations until April 5, 2020. More scheduled shows, including two by Grammy-winning drummer Will Calhoun and one from Grammy-winning guitarist Lee Ritenour have been canceled.

"As of this morning, New York City mandated that all restaurants and bars must close and that no gatherings above 50 people may take place. We of course are saddened by this news, but understand that for the health and safety of our patrons, that we must temporarily suspend operations at Blue Note New York until April 5, 2020," Blue Note New York's official website announced on March 15. "We firmly believe that music is a universal language which connects us all and we are proud to be the venue that has provided so many beautiful memories to our patrons who share a love of jazz."