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A String Quartet Is Crushed by the Coronavirus A String Quartet Is Crushed by the Coronavirus
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Since its formation in 2008, the Tesla Quartet has been showered with critical accolades, released two recordings, hired a manager and lined up a full schedule at major concert halls around the world.Since its formation in 2008, the Tesla Quartet has been showered with critical accolades, released two recordings, hired a manager and lined up a full schedule at major concert halls around the world.
Even so, life as a professional string quartet has been a hand-to-mouth existence. The four players, aged 34 to 38, have long relied on relatives, friends and concert presenters for temporary housing, while stashing their few possessions in a storage locker. Only during the past year did their advance bookings give them the confidence and means to rent their own apartments in New York.Even so, life as a professional string quartet has been a hand-to-mouth existence. The four players, aged 34 to 38, have long relied on relatives, friends and concert presenters for temporary housing, while stashing their few possessions in a storage locker. Only during the past year did their advance bookings give them the confidence and means to rent their own apartments in New York.
And then, in early March, their delicate world fell apart.And then, in early March, their delicate world fell apart.
Tesla was scheduled to perform at Rockefeller University in Manhattan on March 6, and was wrapping up several weeks of rehearsals of Tchaikovsky’s First Quartet, when one of the violinists, Michelle Lie, opened her email. The university was canceling its next three recitals — starting with Tesla’s, the following day.Tesla was scheduled to perform at Rockefeller University in Manhattan on March 6, and was wrapping up several weeks of rehearsals of Tchaikovsky’s First Quartet, when one of the violinists, Michelle Lie, opened her email. The university was canceling its next three recitals — starting with Tesla’s, the following day.
Then came the following week’s scheduled performance at the Century Association, which suspended operations along with many of New York’s other private clubs.Then came the following week’s scheduled performance at the Century Association, which suspended operations along with many of New York’s other private clubs.
Tesla’s members — Ms. Lie and Ross Snyder, violins; Edwin Kaplan, viola; and Serafim Smigelskiy, cello — had been aware of the rapidly spreading coronavirus, but only now did it start to affect them personally. They decided to take a week off and regroup.Tesla’s members — Ms. Lie and Ross Snyder, violins; Edwin Kaplan, viola; and Serafim Smigelskiy, cello — had been aware of the rapidly spreading coronavirus, but only now did it start to affect them personally. They decided to take a week off and regroup.
Then came a cascade of cancellations and postponements. Foreign travel was suspended. By late March, their performance calendar through June, which had been full, was bare.Then came a cascade of cancellations and postponements. Foreign travel was suspended. By late March, their performance calendar through June, which had been full, was bare.
Classical musicians are typically paid only after a performance is over, so the players suddenly confronted the prospect of no income for the foreseeable future. They doubted the few remaining summer festivals on their schedule would come through.Classical musicians are typically paid only after a performance is over, so the players suddenly confronted the prospect of no income for the foreseeable future. They doubted the few remaining summer festivals on their schedule would come through.
Soon they realized that simply being together could be a risk. A quartet is, by its nature, an intimate gathering. Players can’t sit more than six feet apart and still hear each other, breathe together or respond to what are often subtle visual cues. Even transportation posed hazards: Mr. Kaplan and Mr. Smigelskiy used to take the subway to the apartment Mr. Snyder and Ms. Lie share in Brooklyn for rehearsals. In addition to their livelihoods, their musical identity was at stake.Soon they realized that simply being together could be a risk. A quartet is, by its nature, an intimate gathering. Players can’t sit more than six feet apart and still hear each other, breathe together or respond to what are often subtle visual cues. Even transportation posed hazards: Mr. Kaplan and Mr. Smigelskiy used to take the subway to the apartment Mr. Snyder and Ms. Lie share in Brooklyn for rehearsals. In addition to their livelihoods, their musical identity was at stake.
The plight of four young musicians, however talented, may seem insignificant in the larger scheme of the pandemic: 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment insurance in the last four weeks. Still, there are over 41,000 professional musicians in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and those numbers don’t include self-employed musicians like Tesla’s members. And all those musicians also help support an extensive but fragile ecosystem of managers, agents, concert presenters and halls, all of whom depend on performances for their livelihoods.The plight of four young musicians, however talented, may seem insignificant in the larger scheme of the pandemic: 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment insurance in the last four weeks. Still, there are over 41,000 professional musicians in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and those numbers don’t include self-employed musicians like Tesla’s members. And all those musicians also help support an extensive but fragile ecosystem of managers, agents, concert presenters and halls, all of whom depend on performances for their livelihoods.
Beyond the numbers, musicians play an outsize role in the cultural life of the nation — from symphony orchestras and operas to chamber music festivals; from Broadway pits to Nashville recording studios and national concert tours. Everything has now been canceled for the foreseeable future; it seems unlikely that performances will return this summer, and possibly beyond.Beyond the numbers, musicians play an outsize role in the cultural life of the nation — from symphony orchestras and operas to chamber music festivals; from Broadway pits to Nashville recording studios and national concert tours. Everything has now been canceled for the foreseeable future; it seems unlikely that performances will return this summer, and possibly beyond.
Even before the coronavirus, the string quartet was an endangered species. A few quartets, like the Juilliard, Guarneri and Emerson, are household names, at least for classical music lovers. But for most players, life in a small ensemble is a financial struggle even in the best of times.Even before the coronavirus, the string quartet was an endangered species. A few quartets, like the Juilliard, Guarneri and Emerson, are household names, at least for classical music lovers. But for most players, life in a small ensemble is a financial struggle even in the best of times.
I’d met the members of Tesla — named for the inventor, before the electric car became a well-known brand — in 2017 at a chamber music program at Stanford, where Tesla won the top prize. Tesla was unusual in that its members didn’t have to support themselves by doing other jobs or teaching — although they, like those in other groups, relied on freelance gigs to supplement their quartet income. (Those gigs, of course, have also been canceled.)I’d met the members of Tesla — named for the inventor, before the electric car became a well-known brand — in 2017 at a chamber music program at Stanford, where Tesla won the top prize. Tesla was unusual in that its members didn’t have to support themselves by doing other jobs or teaching — although they, like those in other groups, relied on freelance gigs to supplement their quartet income. (Those gigs, of course, have also been canceled.)
Oni Buchanan, the founder and director of Ariel Artists, Tesla’s manager, said the quartet faces an “existential crisis. They were lucky they didn’t need five other sources of income. Their career was taking off. But now they have nothing.”Oni Buchanan, the founder and director of Ariel Artists, Tesla’s manager, said the quartet faces an “existential crisis. They were lucky they didn’t need five other sources of income. Their career was taking off. But now they have nothing.”
For that matter, neither does Ms. Buchanan, a classical pianist who went into arts management after graduating from New England Conservatory rather than embarking on the grueling competition circuit. Ariel typically earns 20 percent of its clients’ fees, but only if they perform.For that matter, neither does Ms. Buchanan, a classical pianist who went into arts management after graduating from New England Conservatory rather than embarking on the grueling competition circuit. Ariel typically earns 20 percent of its clients’ fees, but only if they perform.
“Right now I have no income,” Ms. Buchanan said. She added that she has one full-time employee, “but I can’t afford to keep him much longer.”“Right now I have no income,” Ms. Buchanan said. She added that she has one full-time employee, “but I can’t afford to keep him much longer.”
When Tesla’s players realized they couldn’t rehearse — which they usually did for four hours a day, five days a week — they started to experiment with virtual practice sessions. Digital applications like Zoom don’t work well because of lags in the transmission of images and sound; in music, timing is everything.When Tesla’s players realized they couldn’t rehearse — which they usually did for four hours a day, five days a week — they started to experiment with virtual practice sessions. Digital applications like Zoom don’t work well because of lags in the transmission of images and sound; in music, timing is everything.
They ended up settling on a system in which one player would lay down a track; the others could then listen and play over it. Mr. Smigelskiy mixed the tracks using Adobe software and posted the finished product to YouTube. Every few days since March 21, Tesla has added another short variation on a Russian theme, which the members are calling “Quarantunes.”They ended up settling on a system in which one player would lay down a track; the others could then listen and play over it. Mr. Smigelskiy mixed the tracks using Adobe software and posted the finished product to YouTube. Every few days since March 21, Tesla has added another short variation on a Russian theme, which the members are calling “Quarantunes.”
“We’re trying to use technology to give a pretty good approximation of a live performance,” said Mr. Kaplan, the violist. “It’s the only way music can exist right now.”“We’re trying to use technology to give a pretty good approximation of a live performance,” said Mr. Kaplan, the violist. “It’s the only way music can exist right now.”
Mr. Smigelskiy said the group chose lighthearted music to divert people from the virus. “We’re not playing the Barber Adagio,” he said, referring to Samuel Barber’s solemn Adagio for Strings.Mr. Smigelskiy said the group chose lighthearted music to divert people from the virus. “We’re not playing the Barber Adagio,” he said, referring to Samuel Barber’s solemn Adagio for Strings.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But YouTube can’t replicate the experience of live, simultaneous music-making. “They’re being very innovative, but virtual practice isn’t sustainable over the long haul,” said Ms. Buchanan. “It’s very depressing for them. They feed off each other’s energy.”But YouTube can’t replicate the experience of live, simultaneous music-making. “They’re being very innovative, but virtual practice isn’t sustainable over the long haul,” said Ms. Buchanan. “It’s very depressing for them. They feed off each other’s energy.”
Nor does YouTube generate any income.Nor does YouTube generate any income.
Three of Tesla’s members have applied for assistance under the recent economic rescue packages, which made self-employed and freelance workers eligible for up to 39 weeks of unemployment insurance. They also qualify for the $600 weekly payment offered by the federal government through July. But none have yet been approved or received any funds; Mr. Smigelskiy hasn’t yet been able to get through to New York’s unemployment-insurance system.Three of Tesla’s members have applied for assistance under the recent economic rescue packages, which made self-employed and freelance workers eligible for up to 39 weeks of unemployment insurance. They also qualify for the $600 weekly payment offered by the federal government through July. But none have yet been approved or received any funds; Mr. Smigelskiy hasn’t yet been able to get through to New York’s unemployment-insurance system.
Ms. Lie’s eligibility was complicated by her Korean nationality and the need to renew her United States visa. Before the pandemic, the Trump administration had been denying visas to anyone receiving unemployment benefits, on grounds they were at risk of becoming public charges. So Ms. Lie has been reluctant to apply for the benefits.Ms. Lie’s eligibility was complicated by her Korean nationality and the need to renew her United States visa. Before the pandemic, the Trump administration had been denying visas to anyone receiving unemployment benefits, on grounds they were at risk of becoming public charges. So Ms. Lie has been reluctant to apply for the benefits.
A number of private funds have sprung up to assist struggling artists, and Tesla applied to several. But most of the funds were overwhelmed within hours of accepting applications. So far they’ve gotten only one positive response: $250 each from Artist Relief Tree, which now has a waiting list of over 5,500 applicants.A number of private funds have sprung up to assist struggling artists, and Tesla applied to several. But most of the funds were overwhelmed within hours of accepting applications. So far they’ve gotten only one positive response: $250 each from Artist Relief Tree, which now has a waiting list of over 5,500 applicants.
Ms. Buchanan has pleaded with concert presenters to break with tradition and pay half the quartet’s fee up front for new bookings. A few have agreed. And the Tippet Rise Arts Center in Montana, backed by the wealthy philanthropists and artists Peter and Cathy Halstead, said it would pay Tesla’s full fee for this summer and rebook them for next year in the increasingly likely event that the center’s August festival is canceled.Ms. Buchanan has pleaded with concert presenters to break with tradition and pay half the quartet’s fee up front for new bookings. A few have agreed. And the Tippet Rise Arts Center in Montana, backed by the wealthy philanthropists and artists Peter and Cathy Halstead, said it would pay Tesla’s full fee for this summer and rebook them for next year in the increasingly likely event that the center’s August festival is canceled.
But few classical music venues have the Halsteads’ deep pockets or large endowments; many run a deficit and depend on charitable contributions. While nonprofit organizations are eligible for low-interest loans under the federal stimulus legislation, some of which may later be forgiven, many may not survive the loss of months of programming and ticket revenue, to say nothing of donations threatened by the economic downturn.But few classical music venues have the Halsteads’ deep pockets or large endowments; many run a deficit and depend on charitable contributions. While nonprofit organizations are eligible for low-interest loans under the federal stimulus legislation, some of which may later be forgiven, many may not survive the loss of months of programming and ticket revenue, to say nothing of donations threatened by the economic downturn.
The entire musical ecosystem is endangered.The entire musical ecosystem is endangered.
“So far we’ve managed to pay the rent,” said Mr. Snyder, the Tesla violinist. “But if this continues for several more months, I don’t know. We were homeless for three years. I hope that’s not where we’re headed again.”“So far we’ve managed to pay the rent,” said Mr. Snyder, the Tesla violinist. “But if this continues for several more months, I don’t know. We were homeless for three years. I hope that’s not where we’re headed again.”