View source for 2020 in classical music

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Year nav topic5|2020|classical music}}
This article lists major events and other topics related to '''classical music in 2020'''.
{{YYYY music|2020}}

==Events==
* [[1 January]] – At the 2020 [[Vienna New Year's Concert]], [[Andris Nelsons]] plays the trumpet solo in the ''Postillon-Galopp'' of [[Hans Christian Lumbye]], the first conductor to perform a solo in the Vienna New Year's Concert who is not a violinist.  Nelsons performed the same solo on the 30 December 2019 and 31 December 2019 performances of the same programme.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000112830032/neujahrskonzert-mit-nelsons-klatschend-ins-neue-jahr | title=Neujahrskonzert: Mit Nelsons klatschend ins neue Jahr | work=Der Standard | author=Ljubisa Tosic | date=2020-01-01 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* [[5 January]] – Island City Opera announces the postponement of its planned March 2020 production of ''The Wreckers'' by Dame [[Ethyl Smyth]], because of concerns about compliance with [[California Assembly Bill 5 (2019)]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.sfcv.org/music-news/new-california-law-begins-to-wreak-havoc-with-arts-organizations | title=New California Law Begins to Wreak Havoc With Arts Organizations | work=San Francisco Classical Voice | author=Janos Gereben | date=2020-01-07 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
* [[6 January]] – Annapolis Opera announces the appointment of Craig Kier as its next artistic director and music director, effective 1 July 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://annapolisopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/New-AD-Press-Release-final-with-photo.pdf | title=Annapolis Opera Names Craig Kier New Artistic and Music Director | publisher=Annapolis Opera | date=6 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-12 | archive-date=12 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112233429/http://annapolisopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/New-AD-Press-Release-final-with-photo.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[7 January]] – The [[National Ballet of Canada]] announces the appointment of Maria Seletskaja as the first-ever conductor to its newly created post of conductor-in-residence.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://national.ballet.ca/Media-Room/News/Just-Announced/The-National-Ballet-of-Canada-Welcomes-Maria-Selet | title=The National Ballet of Canada Welcomes Maria Seletskaja as New Conductor-in-Residence | publisher=National Ballet of Canada | date=7 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
* [[8 January]] 
** The Teatro San Cassiano names the [[Academy of Ancient Music]] as its first associate ensemble.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.teatrosancassiano.it/en/academy-ancient-music-our-first-associate-ensemble | title=The Academy of Ancient Music is our first Associate Ensemble | publisher=Teatro San Cassiano | date=8 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
** The Zurich Festival {''Festspiele Zürich''} announces that the 2020 festival is to be its final festival, because of the lack of long-term financial support to continue the festival.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nzz.ch/feuilleton/festspiele-zuerich-werden-nach-2020-eingestellt-nzz-ld.1532623 | title=Schluss mit lustig: Die Festspiele Zürich finden 2020 zum letzten Mal statt | work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung | author=Thomas Ribi | date=2020-01-08 | access-date=2020-01-12}}</ref>
** The [[Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra]] announces the appointment of Ben Cadwallader as its next executive director, effective 9 March 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.laco.org/press-release-ben-cadwallader-named-executive-director/ | title=Ben Cadwallader Named-Executive Director | publisher=Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra | date=8 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
** The [[Vermont Symphony Orchestra]] announces that Ben Cadwallader is to stand down as its executive director on 7 February 2020.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/entertainment/2020/01/08/vermont-symphony-orchestra-executive-director-leaving-job-vso/2844059001/ | title=VSO executive director leaving for new job in Los Angeles | work=Burlington Free Press | author=Brent Hallenbeck | date=2020-01-08 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
** Martijn Padding receives the ''Andreaspenning'' award at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, in recognition of his services to musical life in Amsterdam.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://donemus.nl/andreaspenning-for-martijn-padding/ | title=Andreaspenning for Martijn Padding | work=Donemus | date=2020-01-09 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
* [[9 January]] – The Jacksonville Symphony announces the appointment of Steven Libman as its next president and chief executive officer.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.jaxsymphony.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Jacksonville-Symphony-Announces-New-President-and-CEO.pdf | title=Jacksonville Symphony Announces New President & CEO | publisher=Jacksonville Symphony | date=9 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-12}}</ref>
* [[13 January]]
** The Australian Festival of Chamber Music announces the appointment of [[Jack Liebeck]] as its next artistic director, in succession to Kathryn Stott, following the conclusion of the 2020 festival.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/jack-liebeck-is-the-new-artistic-director-of-the-australian-festival-of-chamber-music/ | title=Jack Liebeck Is The New Artistic Director of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Justine Nguyen | date=2020-01-13 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
** [[Opera Holland Park]] announces simultaneously the scheduled retirement of Michael Volpe as its general director on 30 September 2020, and the appointment of James Clutton as the company's new chief executive and director of opera, effective 1 October 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://operahollandpark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/OHP-announces-Michael-Volpes-retirement-PRESS-RELEASE-13Jan20.pdf | title=Opera Holland Park announces the retirement of General Director, Michael Volpe | publisher=Opera Holland Park | date=13 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
** The [[Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra]] announces that it is to award its Karl Amadeus Hartmann Medal posthumously to [[Mariss Jansons]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/br-symphonieorchester-verleiht-posthum-medaille-an-mariss-jansons | title=BR-Symphonieorchester verleiht posthum Medaille an Mariss Jansons | work=NMZ | date=2020-01-13 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
** The city of Hamburg awards its Johannes Brahms Medal to [[Christoph von Dohnányi]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ndr.de/kultur/musik/klassik/Christoph-von-Dohnanyi-erhaelt-Brahms-Medaille,dohnanyi328.html | title=Brahms-Medaille für Christoph von Dohnányi | work=NDR | date=2020-01-13 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
* [[14 January]] – The [[Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra]] announces the appointment of István Várdai as its new artistic director.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kultura.hu/vardai-istvan-lett-a-liszt-ferenc-kamarazenekar-muveszeti-vezetoje/ | title=Várdai István lett a Liszt Ferenc Kamarazenekar művészeti vezetője | work=Kultúra | date=2020-01-14 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
* [[15 January]]
** The [[Hamburger Symphoniker]] announces violist Timothy Ridout as the inaugural winner of its newly established Sir Jeffrey Tate Prize.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rtl.de/cms/bratschist-ridout-erhaelt-neuen-sir-jeffrey-tate-preis-4469442.html | title=Bratschist Ridout erhält neuen Sir-Jeffrey-Tate-Preis | work=RTL | date=2020-01-15 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
** The [[Vancouver Symphony]] announces the appointment of Angela Elster as its new president and chief executive officer, with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/angela-elster-appointed-president-ceo-vancouver-symphony-orchestra/ | title=Angela Elster Appointed President and CEO of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and VSO School of Music | publisher=Vancouver Symphony | date=15 January 2020 | access-date=2020-02-01}}</ref>
* [[16 January]] – The [[Royal Swedish Opera]] announces the appointment of [[Alan Gilbert (conductor)|Alan Gilbert]] as its next music director, effective in the spring of 2021.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/1/News/Alan_Gilbert_Named_Music_Director_at_Royal_Swedish_Opera.html | title=Conductor Alan Gilbert Named Next Music Director of Royal Swedish Opera | work=Opera News | date=2020-01-16 | access-date=2020-01-18 | archive-date=26 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126163113/https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/1/News/Alan_Gilbert_Named_Music_Director_at_Royal_Swedish_Opera.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[17 January]] – [[Vladimir Ashkenazy]] announces his retirement from public performance, effective immediately.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.harrisonparrott.com/news/2020-01-17/vladimir-ashkenazy-retires | title=Vladimir Ashkenazy Retires | publisher=Harrison Parrott | date=17 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
* [[18 January]] - [[John Williams]] at the helm of the [[Wiener Philharmoniker]] makes his concert debut in continental Europe.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.derstandard.de/consent/tcf/story/2000113486699/besuch-vom-lieben-gott | title=Besuch vom lieben Gott }}</ref>
* [[20 January]]
** The [[Verbier Festival]] announces the appointment of [[James Gaffigan (conductor)|James Gaffigan]] as the next music director of the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra, effective with the 2021 festival season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.verbierfestival.com/app/uploads/2020/01/Press-Release-Verbier-Festival-2020-James-Gaffigan.pdf | title=Verbier Festival appoints James Gaffigan as Music Director of its Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra | publisher=Verbier Festival | date=20 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
** The Markgräflichen Opernhaus Bayreuth announces the establishment of its new 'Bayreuth Baroque' Festival, with the appointment of [[Max Emanuel Cencic]] as its artistic director, with an initial contract of 3 years.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.tt.com/artikel/16555660/max-emanuel-cencic-leitet-neues-barockfestival-in-bayreuth | title=Max Emanuel Cencic leitet neues Barockfestival in Bayreuth | work=Tiroler Tageszeitung | date=2020-01-20 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
** The Ernst von Siemens Musikstiftung announces [[Tabea Zimmermann]] as the recipient of the 2020 Ernst von Siemens Music Prize.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/ernst-von-siemens-musikpreis-an-tabea-zimmermann | title=Ernst von Siemens Musikpreis an Tabea Zimmermann | work=NMZ | date=2020-01-23 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
* [[22 January]]
** The [[Boston Symphony Orchestra]] announces that Mark Volpe is to retire as its president and chief executive officer, effective February 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://bso.http.internapcdn.net/bso/images/press-releases/bso/19-20/20200122.pdf | title=Acclaimed Boston Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Mark Volpe to Retire at the End of February 2021 | publisher=Boston Symphony Orchestra | date=22 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
** The [[Detroit Symphony Orchestra]] announces the appointment of [[Jader Bignamini]] as its next music director, effective with the 2020–2021 season, with an initial contract of 6 seasons.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.dso.org/watch-listen-and-connect/newsroom-2/jader-bignamini-named-music-director-of-the-detroit-symphony-orchestra/ | title=Jader Bignamini named Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra | publisher=Detroit Symphony Orchestra | date=22 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
* [[23 January]]
** The [[Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg]] announces the appointment of Siegwald Bütow as its new managing director, effective in the summer of 2020.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.tt.com/artikel/16567798/mozarteumorchester-salzburg-bekommt-neuen-direktor | title=Mozarteumorchester Salzburg bekommt neuen Direktor | work=Tiroler Tageszeitung | date=2020-01-23 | access-date=2020-02-01}}</ref>
** From the Top announces the appointment of Peter Dugan as the new permanent host for its eponymous radio programme, as of the 2020–2021 season, along with the appointments of Vijay Gupta, Tessa Lark, Alex Laing, Orli Shaham, and Charles Yang as co-hosts and creative partners.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.fromthetop.org/from-the-top-announces-new-host-and-team-of-co-hosts-and-creatives/ | title=Announcing New Host and Team of Co-Hosts and Creatives | publisher=From the Top | date=23 January 2020 | access-date=2020-02-01}}</ref>
* [[24 January]]
** The [[London Philharmonic Orchestra]] announces simultaneously the scheduled retirement of Timothy Walker as its chief executive and artistic director, effective 3 June 2020, and the appointment of David Burke as its next chief executive, along with a planned division into separate roles each of the posts of chief executive and of artistic director.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lpo.org.uk/news/the-lpo-announces-a-restructuring-of-its-leadership.html | title=The LPO announces a restructuring of its leadership | publisher=London Philharmonic Orchestra | date=24 January 2020 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
** The [[Mecklenburg State Theatre]] announces the appointment of Mark Rohde as its next ''Generalmusikdirektor'', effective with the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.svz.de/regionales/mecklenburg-vorpommern/Mark-Rohde-neuer-Generalmusikdirektor-des-Mecklenburgischen-Staatstheaters-id27123372.html | title=Mark Rohde neuer Generalmusikdirektor des Mecklenburgischen Staatstheaters | work=Schweriner Volkszeitung | date=2020-01-24 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
** [[Fort Worth Opera]] announces the resignation of Tuomas Hiltunen as its general director, with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://44e95a1f-fe80-4aea-91b7-d054ea9b0c16.filesusr.com/ugd/594b27_d98297d08a7344dfa1cd9dc37e16b051.pdf | title=Tuomas Hiltunen Steps Down as Fort Worth Opera's General Director | publisher=Fort Worth Opera | date=24 January 2020 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* [[28 January]] – The [[Chicago Symphony Orchestra]] confirms that [[Riccardo Muti]] is to conclude his music directorship of the orchestra at the close of the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://csosoundsandstories.org/muti-talks-about-20-21-season-also-cavalleria-rusticana-on-wdcb-fm/ | title=Muti talks about '20-21 season, also ''Cavalleria rusticana'', on WDCB-FM | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=28 January 2020 | access-date=2021-01-01}}</ref>
* [[30 January]]
** The Léonie Sonning Foundation announces [[Unsuk Chin]] as the recipient of the Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://english.dkdm.dk/About-RDAM/News/2020/Unsuk-Chin-receives-Leonie-Sonning-Music-Prize-2021 | title=Léonie Sonnings Music Prize 2021 | publisher=Royal Danish Academy of Music | date=30 January 2020 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
** The [[Boston Symphony Orchestra]] cancels its planned tour of Asia, the first American orchestra to cancel overseas travel in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://bso.http.internapcdn.net/bso/images/press-releases/bso/19-20/20200130.pdf | title=Boston Symphony Orchestra Tour to East Asia under the direction of Andris Nelsons, February 6–16, is canceled due to widely documented concerns over the spread of the new Coronavirus | publisher=Boston Symphony Orchestra | date=30 January 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* [[31 January]]
** The Staatskapelle Halle announces the resignation of [[Ariane Matiakh]] as its ''Generalmusikdirektorin''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/generalmusikdirektorin-ariane-matiakh-verlaesst-staatskapelle-halle | title=Generalmusikdirektorin Ariane Matiakh verlässt Staatskapelle Halle | work=NMZ | author=Cécile Bidault | date=2020-02-05 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
** The [[Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie Konstanz]] announces that [[Ari Rasilainen]] is to conclude his chief conductorship of the orchestra at the close of the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.suedkurier.de/region/kreis-konstanz/konstanz/Keine-Verlaengerung-fuer-den-Konstanzer-Chefdirigenten-Ari-Rasilainen;art372448,10425488 | title=Keine Verlängerung für den Konstanzer Chefdirigenten Ari Rasilainen | work=[[Südkurier]] | author=Elisabeth Schwind | date=2020-01-31 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* [[1 February]]
** The [[Orchestre National de Lille]] performs the final concert of its UK tour at Leeds Town Hall, the last European orchestra to perform in the United Kingdom just prior to and after the UK's departure from the European Union.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/l-orchestre-national-de-lille-en-tournee-au-royaume-uni-en-plein-brexit-80987 | title=L'Orchestre National de Lille en tournée au Royaume-Uni à l'heure du Brexit | work=France Musique | author=Cécile Bidault | date=2020-01-31 | access-date=2020-02-01}}</ref>
** Never heard live during the composers lifetime, the opera ''The Chronicle of Nine: The Tragedy of Queen Jane'', composed by Arnold Rosner to a libretto by Florence Stevenson, receives its world premiere performance at Jordan Hall, Boston, presented by Odyssey Opera and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://bostonclassicalreview.com/2020/02/compelling-music-inert-drama-in-belated-premiere-of-the-chronicle-of-nine/ | title=Compelling music, inert drama in belated premiere of The Chronicle of Nine | work=Boston Classical Review | author=Aaron Keebaugh | date=2020-02-02 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[3 February]] – Opera Carolina makes redundant its executive director, Beth Hansen, citing fiscal challenges to the company.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article239918293.html | title=Charlotte arts group drops executive director, citing 'harsh economic climate' | work=Charlotte Observer | author=Cristina Bolling | date=2020-02-03 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* [[4 February]] – The [[St. Louis Symphony Orchestra]] announces that Amy Kaiser is to retire as director of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, at the close of the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/st-louis-symphony-orchestra-announces-a-woman-centric-season-for/article_fb74b1e2-5597-5e93-87fa-2e9f2f7c43b8.html | title=St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announces a woman-centric season for 2020-21 | work=Saint Louis Post-Dispatch | author=Sarah Bryan Miller | date=2020-02-04 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* [[5 February]]
** [[Radio New Zealand]] announces plans to discontinue its FM classical music radio station RNZ Concert, and to shift its classical music broadcasting over to an automated programme on its AM channel and in streaming format.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018732872/rnz-set-to-cut-back-concert-and-launch-new-youth-service | title=RNZ set to cut back Concert and launch new youth service | work=[[Radio New Zealand]] | author=Hayden Donnell | date=2020-02-05 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
** Stéphane Lissner announces the cancellation of three new opera productions for the 2020-2021 Opéra de Paris season, in the wake of the recent industrial action at the Opéra de Paris.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/au-moins-trois-spectacles-seront-annules-la-saison-prochaine-a-l-opera-de-paris-81208 | title='Au moins trois spectacles' seront annulés la saison prochaine à l'Opéra de Paris | work=France Musique | author=Sofia Anastasio | date=2020-02-06 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
** The Washington Chorus announces the appointment of Eugene Rogers as its next artistic director, effective July 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://thewashingtonchorus.org/experience-blog/the-washington-chorus-announces-eugene-rogers-as-fifth-artistic-director | title=The Washington Chorus Announces Eugene Rogers As Fifth Artistic Director | publisher=The Washington Chorus | date=5 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
** The Ravinia Festival announces the appointment of [[Marin Alsop]] as its new chief conductor and curator, the first person to hold such titles with the festival, effective with the summer 2020 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://csosoundsandstories.org/marin-alsop-appointed-as-chief-conductor-and-curator-of-the-ravinia-festival/ | title=Marin Alsop appointed as chief conductor and curator of the Ravinia Festival | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=5 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* [[6 February]]
** [[Opera Theatre of Saint Louis]] announces a bequest of $45M USD from Phyllis Brissenden, the single largest gift to the company in its history.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.opera-stl.org/beyond-the-stage/opera-theatre-receives-45-million-bequest-from-life-board-member-phyllis-brissenden | title=Opera Theatre Receives $45 Million Bequest from Life Board Member Phyllis Brissenden | publisher=Opera Theatre of Saint Louis | date=6 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-15 | archive-date=15 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215164232/https://www.opera-stl.org/beyond-the-stage/opera-theatre-receives-45-million-bequest-from-life-board-member-phyllis-brissenden | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** The [[Oregon Symphony]] announces that [[Carlos Kalmar]] is to conclude his tenure as its music director at the close of the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.orsymphony.org/about/press-room/press-releases/february-6-2020/ | title=Oregon Symphony Announces 2020-21 Season, Celebrating Famed Conductor Carlos Kalmar's Final Year As Music Director | publisher=Oregon Symphony | date=6 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[10 February]] – The Staatsoper Hannover announces the appointment of Stephan Zilias as its next ''Generalmusikdirektor'', effective with the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.askonasholt.com/stephan-zilias-appointed-general-music-director-of-hannover-state-opera/ | title=Stephan Zilias appointed General Music Director of Hannover State Opera | publisher=Askonas Holt | date=10 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[11 February]]
** Following protests from artists and audiences, and criticism from Prime Minister [[Jacinda Ardern]], Radio New Zealand withdraws its earlier proposal to downgrade its RNZ Concert classical music service to an automated AM/streaming channel, and to retain RNZ Concert on its FM frequencies.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018733688/fm-x-3-but-not-for-the-price-of-2 | title=FM x 3- but not for the price of 2 | work=[[Radio New Zealand]] | author=Hayden Donnell | date=2020-02-11 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
** The Polar Music Prize announces [[Anna Netrebko]] as one of its two Polar Music Prize Laureates for 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://polarmusicprize.org/announcement/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PM_PolarMusicPrize_2020.pdf | title=2020 Ârs Mottagare av Polar Music Prize | publisher=Polar Music Prize | date=11 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[12 February]]
** The Staatstheater Giessen announces the appointment of Florian Ludwig as its interim ''Generalmusikdirektor'', for a limited contract of two seasons, the 2020-2021 and 2021–2022 seasons.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.giessener-allgemeine.de/giessen/florian-ludwig-neuer-13536883.html | title=Florian Ludwig neuer GMD | work=Gießener Allgemeine | author=Karola Schepp | date=2020-02-12 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
** The Two Moors Festival announces the appointment of Tamsin Waley-Cohen as its new artistic director for its 2020 festival.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/tamsin-waley-cohen-appointed-artistic-director-of-two-moors-festival/ | title=Tamsin Waley-Cohen appointed artistic director of Two Moors Festival | work=Classical Music Magazine | author=Melissa Bradshaw | date=2020-02-12 | access-date=2020-02-22 | archive-date=22 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222160812/https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/tamsin-waley-cohen-appointed-artistic-director-of-two-moors-festival/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** The Grand Teton Music Festival announces the appointment of Simon Woods as its interim executive director, effective 24 February 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://gtmf.org/grand-teton-music-festival-welcomes-simon-woods-as-interim-executive-director/ | title=Grand Teton Music Festival Welcomes Simon Woods as Interim Executive Director | publisher=Grand Teton Music Festival | date=12 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[14 February]] – The [[Louisville Orchestra]] announces the resignation of Robert Murray as its chief executive officer, effective 6 May 2020.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/02/14/louisville-orchestra-ceo-robert-massey-gone-after-one-year/4760807002/ | title=Louisville Orchestra CEO says his departure was a mutual decision | work=Louisville Courier-Journal | author=Savannah Eadens | date=2020-02-14 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
* [[19 February]] – The Opéra de Rouen Normandie announces the appointment of Ben Glassberg as its next music director, effective with the 2020–2021 season, with an initial contract of 3 seasons.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/rouen-76000/ben-glassberg-nouveau-directeur-musical-de-l-opera-de-rouen-6744144 | title=Ben Glassberg, nouveau directeur musical de l'Opéra de Rouen | work=Ouest-France | author=Xavier Oriot | date=2020-02-19 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
* [[23 February]] – The [[Teatro alla Scala]] announces suspension of performances with immediate effect, in the wake of the [[COVID-19|Coronavirus disease 2019]] outbreak in Italy.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.teatroallascala.org/en/coronavirus.html | title=Performances Suspended | publisher=Teatro alla Scala | date=23 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
* [[24 February]] – [[The Hallé]] announces Delyana Lazarova as the winner of the inaugural Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.halle.co.uk/shicc-winner/ | title=Delyana Lazarova is the winner of the inaugural Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition 2020 | publisher=The Hallé | date=24 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
* [[25 February]]
** The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announces confirmation of allegations by AGMA members of long-standing sexual misconduct by [[Plácido Domingo]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.musicalartists.org/union-investigation-confirms-allegations-against-placido-domingo/ | title=Union Investigation Confirms Allegations Against Plácido Domingo | publisher=American Guild of Musical Artists | date=25 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
** [[Opera Theatre of Saint Louis]] announces the appointment of Walter Huff as its next chorus director.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.opera-stl.org/beyond-the-stage/otsl-welcomes-chorusmaster-walter-huff | title=OTSL Welcomes Chorusmaster Walter Huff | publisher=Opera Theatre of Saint Louis | date=25 February 2020 | access-date=2020-06-21 | archive-date=21 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621105005/https://www.opera-stl.org/beyond-the-stage/otsl-welcomes-chorusmaster-walter-huff | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[26 February]]
** [[José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes]], the Spanish minister of culture, rescinds an invitation to Plácido Domingo to perform at the [[Teatro de la Zarzuela]] in May 2020, following the American Guild of Musical Artists report of confirmation of allegations of sexual misconduct against Domingo.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.elespanol.com/cultura/20200226/ministro-cultura-opina-placido-domingo-suspender-concierto/470454097_0.html | title=El ministro de Cultura opina sobre Plácido Domingo: "Suspender su concierto es un deber" | work=El Español | date=2020-02-26 | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
** The Landestheater Coburg announces the appointment of Daniel Carter as its new ''Generalmusikdirektor'', effective 1 February 2021.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.np-coburg.de/region/feuilleton/Daniel-Carter-wird-Coburger-Generalmusikdirektor;art83473,7151829 | title=Daniel Carter wird Coburger Generalmusikdirektor | work=Neue Presse | author=Dieter Ungelenk | date=2020-02-26 | access-date=2020-02-29 | archive-date=27 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227224201/https://www.np-coburg.de/region/feuilleton/Daniel-Carter-wird-Coburger-Generalmusikdirektor;art83473,7151829 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** The [[Baltimore Symphony Orchestra]] announces that [[Marin Alsop]] is to conclude her tenure as music director of the orchestra at the close of the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.bsomusic.org/about/press-releases/press-release/2019-2020-press-releases/baltimore-symphony-orchestra-music-director-marin-alsop-to-conclude-14-year-tenure-with-2020-21-season/ | title=Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Music Director Marin Alsop to Conclude 14-Year Tenure with 2020-21 Season | publisher=Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | date=26 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
* [[27 February]] 
** [[The Hallé]] announces the appointment of David Butcher as its next chief executive, effective September 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.halle.co.uk/the-halle-new-chief-executive/ | title=The Hallé Orchestra announces its new Chief Executive | publisher=The Hallé | date=27 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
** The [[Britten Sinfonia]] announces that David Butcher is to stand down as its chief executive and artistic director in the summer of 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://brittensinfonia.com/2020/02/27/david-butcher-appointed-chief-executive-of-the-halle/ | title=David Butcher appointed Chief Executive of The Hallé | publisher=Britten Sinfonia | date=27 February 2020 | access-date=2020-02-29}}</ref>
* [[3 March]] – [[Washington National Opera]] announces the renaming of its young artist programme from the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program to the Cafritz Young Artists of Washington National Opera.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/3/News/AGMA_Filing_Charges_Against_Plácido_Domingo_Following_Investigation.html | title=American Guild of Musical Artists Announces Disciplinary Charges Against Plácido Domingo as Washington National Opera Renames Apprentice Program | work=Opera News | date=2020-03-03 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
* [[4 March]] – [[San Francisco Opera]] announces that Sheri Greenawald is to retire as director of the San Francisco Opera Center and artistic director of the Merola Opera Program at the close of 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://sfopera.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/sheri-greenawald-retirement-2020/ | title=Opera Center Director Sheri Greenawald to Retire at Close of 2020 | publisher=San Francisco Opera | date=4 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-07 | archive-date=8 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808003543/https://sfopera.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/sheri-greenawald-retirement-2020/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[5 March]]
** [[Brett Dean]] is reported as diagnosed with [[COVID-19]] and quarantined in isolation at the [[Royal Adelaide Hospital]], following his return from [[Taipei]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/brett-dean-diagnosed-with-covid-19/ | title=Brett Dean Diagnosed with COVID-19 | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Angus McPherson | date=2020-03-06 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
** The [[National Concert Hall (Taiwan)|National Concert Hall]] (NCH) in Taipei is closed with immediate effect until further notice, following the diagnosis of Brett Dean with COVID-19 after his performance at the NCH Taipei.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://chinapost.nownews.com/20200305-1091539 | title=Ministry of Culture cancels concerts due to COVID-19 scare | work=The China Post | author=Shelly Yang | date=2020-03-05 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
* [[10 March]]
** [[Klaus Lederer]], Berlin Senator for Culture, announces the cancellation of all cultural events in Berlin of more than 500 people, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.berlin.de/en/news/coronavirus/6105046-6098215-coronavirus-theatres-operas-cancelled.en.html | title=Coronavirus: Events in big theatres and operas cancelled | publisher=State of Berlin | date=10 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** Following the ban by the federal government of Austria on persons entering from Italy, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the [[Vienna State Opera]] announces cancellation of performances through 2 April 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/staatsoper/news/detail/news/coronavirus-sars-cov-2-1/ | title=Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) | publisher=Vienns State Opera | date=10 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** [[LA Opera]] announces that the allegations of sexual misconduct by Plácido Domingo during his association with LA Opera have been found to be credible.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/3/News/LA_Opera_Investigation_of_Plácido_Domingo_Finds_Allegations_to_be_Credible.html | title=LA Opera Investigation of Plácido Domingo Finds Misconduct Allegations to be Credible | work=Opera News | date=2020-03-10 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* [[11 March]]
** In response to the ban on public performances with more than 500 people in attendance in Berlin in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the [[Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra]] and the [[Staatsoper Unter den Linden]] announce cancellation of performances from 11 March 2020 through 19 April 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/titelgeschichten/20192020/coronavirus/ | title=Closure of the Philharmonie Berlin until 19 April Due to the Coronavirus | publisher=Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | date=11 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14 | archive-date=19 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419210305/https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/titelgeschichten/20192020/coronavirus/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.staatsoper-berlin.de/de/staatsoper/news/corona-virus.139/ | title=Coronavirus | publisher=Staatsoper Unter den Linden | date=11 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
** The [[Philharmonia Orchestra]] announces the appointment of Alexander Van Ingen as its next chief executive, effective September 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://philharmonia.co.uk/philharmonia-orchestra-appoints-alexander-van-ingen-as-its-new-chief-executive/ | title=Philharmonia Orchestra appoints Alexander Van Ingen as its new Chief Executive | publisher=Philharmonia Orchestra | date=11 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** The [[Academy of Ancient Music]] announces that Alexander Van Ingen is to stand down as its chief executive, effective September 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.aam.co.uk/chief-executive/ | title=Academy of Ancient Music announces search for new Chief Executive | publisher=Academy of Ancient Music | date=11 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** Following a ban by San Francisco mayor [[London Breed]] on public events of more than 1000 people in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the [[San Francisco Symphony]] announces cancellation of all concerts through 25 March 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.sfsymphony.org/About-SFS/Press-Room/Press-Releases/DSH-concerts-cancellation-update | title=Concert Cancellations at Davies Symphony Hall Extended Through March 25 | publisher=San Francisco Symphony | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* [[12 March]] –  The following arts and classical music organisations announce suspension of performances in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** Het [[Concertgebouw, Amsterdam|Concertgebouw]], through 31 March 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.concertgebouw.nl/concerten-geannuleerd-vanwege-coronavirus | title=Concerten geannuleerd vanwege coronavirus | publisher=Het Concertgebouw | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14 | archive-date=24 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324231028/https://www.concertgebouw.nl/concerten-geannuleerd-vanwege-coronavirus | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** [[Seattle Symphony]], through 31 March 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.seattlesymphony.org/planyourvisit/virus | title=Public Health Update: Coronavirus (COVID-19) | publisher=Seattle Symphony | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** [[Metropolitan Opera]], through 31 March 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.metopera.org/user-information/coronavirus-updates/ | title=Coronavirus Updates | publisher=Metropolitan Opera | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** [[New York Philharmonic]], through 31 March 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://nyphil.org/plan-your-visit/how-to-prepare/health-and-safety | title=Coronavirus Updates | publisher=New York Philharmonic | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** [[Carnegie Hall]], through 31 March 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Press/Press-Releases/2020/03/12/March-2020-Cancellations-3-12-2020 | title=All Events at Carnegie Hall from Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020 are Cancelled | publisher=Carnegie Hall | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** [[Vancouver Symphony Orchestra]], through 5 April 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/covid-19-response/ | title=Important Message Regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) | publisher=Vancouver Symphony Orchestra | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** [[Los Angeles Philharmonic]], through 31 March 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.laphil.com/faqs/coronavirus-covid-19 | title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates | publisher=Los Angeles Philharmonic | date=12 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* [[13 March]]
** French President [[Emmanuel Macron]] and Prime Minister [[Édouard Philippe]] announce a ban on public events of more than 100 persons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The following French music organisations subsequently cancel performances:<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/coronavirus-le-point-dans-les-salles-de-spectacle-apres-l-interdiction-des-rassemblements-82326 | title=Coronavirus: le point dans les salles de spectacle après l'interdiction des rassemblements | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-03-09 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
*** Maison de la Radio
*** Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, through 19 April 2020
*** Théâtre du Châtelet
*** Opéra national du Rhin
*** Opéra de Bordeaux
*** Opéra de Nancy
*** Opéra de Rennes
** The following US classical music organisations announce suspension of performances in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
*** [[Boston Symphony Orchestra]], through 28 March 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.bso.org/brands/bso/features/2019-20-bso-season/regarding-coronavirus-concerns.aspx | title=Regarding Coronavirus Concerns | publisher=Boston Symphony Orchestra | date=13 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
*** [[Chicago Symphony Orchestra]], through 12 April 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cso.org/globalassets/about/pr-press-releases/2019-20/alert---csoa-concert-cancellations-through-april-12-2020.final.pdf | title=Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association Announces Concert Cancellation Details | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=13 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
** The [[City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra]] (CBSO) announces that CBSO music director [[Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla]] has tested positive for COVID-19, and is in self-quarantine.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cbso.co.uk/news/coronavirus-update | title=Coronavirus Update | publisher=City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra | date=13 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-21}}</ref>
* [[17 March]] – The following UK classical music organisations announce suspension of performances in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** All BBC Orchestras and Choirs<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/statements/orchestras-choirs-coronavirus | title=Statement on BBC Orchestras and Choirs | publisher=BBC Media Centre | date=17 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
** [[Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra]]<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://bsolive.com/news/covid-19-concert-status-update/ | title=COVID-19: Concert status update | publisher=Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra | date=17 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
** Southbank Centre, encompassing the London Philharmonic Orchestra<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lpo.org.uk/news/a-message-to-our-audiences.html | title=A message to our audiences | publisher=London Philharmonic Orchestra | date=17 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref> and the Philharmonia Orchestra<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://philharmonia.co.uk/concert-cancellations-17-to-26-march/ | title=Concert cancellations: 17 to 26 March | publisher=Philharmonia Orchestra | date=17 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22 | archive-date=22 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322204443/https://philharmonia.co.uk/concert-cancellations-17-to-26-march/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** [[London Symphony Orchestra]]
** [[Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra]], through 19 April 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.liverpoolphil.com/news/press-releases/details/coronavirus-covid-19-update | title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update | publisher=Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra | date=17 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22 | archive-date=22 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322204448/https://www.liverpoolphil.com/news/press-releases/details/coronavirus-covid-19-update | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[16 March]] – At the [[Bavarian State Opera]], [[Igor Levit]], [[Christian Gerhaher]], [[Christina Landshamer]], Gerold Huber and musicians of the Bavarian State Orchestra give a concert to an empty theatre, streamed on-line, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
* [[18 March]]
** The Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition announces cancellation of its scheduled 2020 competition, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://queenelisabethcompetition.be/en/news/information-related-to-covid-19-231/ | title=Information related to COVID-19 | publisher=Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition | date=18 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
** The Cliburn announces postponement of the 2020 Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition to 2022.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.cliburn.org/coronavirus/ | title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) | publisher=The Cliburn | date=18 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
* [[19 March]] – The Metropolitan Opera announces the cancellation of the remainder of its 2019–2020 season, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="Anthony Tommasini">{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/arts/music/doriot-anthony-dwyer-dead.html | title=Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Flutist and Orchestral Pathbreaker, Dies at 98 | work=The New York Times | author=Anthony Tommasini | date=2020-03-19 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
* [[22 March]] – Plácido Domingo announces that he has tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/arts/music/coronavirus-placido-domingo.html | title=Plácido Domingo Says He Has the Coronavirus | work=The New York Times | author=Johnny Diaz | date=2020-03-22 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
* [[23 March]]
** Hazard Chase announces cessation of activity and entry into voluntary liquidation, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/hazard-chase-ceases-trading-due-to-covid-19/ | title=Hazard Chase ceases trading due to COVID-19 | work=Classical Music Magazine | author=Andrew Green | date=2020-03-23 | access-date=2020-03-28 | archive-date=18 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418090226/https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/hazard-chase-ceases-trading-due-to-covid-19/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** The New York Philharmonic announces cancellation of the remainder of its 2019–2020 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/arts/music/new-york-philharmonic-coronavirus.html | title=New York Philharmonic Cancels Season Because of Coronavirus | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-03-23 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
** The Bavarian State Opera begins the first of a regular series of Monday concerts (''Montagskonzerten''), streamed from the empty theatre of the Bavarian State Opera and performed under social distancing guidelines, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
* [[24 March]] – The following festivals announce cancellation of their 2020 seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** St Magnus International Festival<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/st-magnus-international-festival-2020-cancelled/ | title=St Magnus International Festival 2020 cancelled | work=Classical Music Magazine | author=Melissa Bradshaw | date=2020-03-24 | access-date=2020-03-28 | archive-date=28 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328221849/https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/st-magnus-international-festival-2020-cancelled/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** Spoleto Festival USA (the first season cancellation in the festival's history)<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://spoletousa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.24.2020-announcement-final.pdf | title=Spoleto Festival USA Announces Unprecedented Cancellation of Its 2020 Season | publisher=Spoleto Festival USA | date=24 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
** Ojai Festival (the first season cancellation in the festival's history)<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.ojaifestival.org/a-message-on-the-cancellation-of-the-2020-festival/ | title=A Message on the Cancellation of the 2020 Festival | publisher=Ojai Festival | date=24 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
* [[25 March]] – The Menuhin Competition announces the postponement of its scheduled Menuhin Competition Richmond 2020 to May 2021, with all 2020 entrants allowed to compete in 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://2020.menuhincompetition.org/news/menuhin-competition-richmond-2020-postponed-to-2021-349924 | title=Menuhin Competition Richmond 2020 Postponed to 2021 | publisher=Menuhin Competition | date=25 March 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* [[26 March]]
** The East Neuk Festival and the Verbier Festival each announce cancellation of their respective 2020 festival seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/further-festival-cancellations-announced/ | title=Further festival cancellations announced | work=Classical Music Magazine | author=Melissa Bradshaw | date=2020-03-26 | access-date=2020-03-28 | archive-date=28 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328221854/https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/further-festival-cancellations-announced/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** [[Anne-Sophie Mutter]] announces that she has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in self-quarantine.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/anne-sophie-mutter-annonce-avoir-ete-testee-positive-au-coronavirus-82655 | title=Anne-Sophie Mutter annonce avoir été testée positive au coronavirus | work=France Musique | author=Sofia Anastasio | date=2020-03-26 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
** The [[University of Michigan]] Board of Regents terminates [[David Daniels (countertenor)|David Daniels]] from its music faculty, after accusations of sexual misconduct against Daniels.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/us/david-daniels-michigan-opera-singer-fired.html | title=Opera Star, Charged With Sexual Assault, Is Fired by University of Michigan | work=The New York Times | author=Michael Levenson | date=2020-03-26 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
* [[27 March]]
** The first live-streamed concert of the Melbourne Digital Concert Hall takes place at the Athenaeum Theatre, performed by Arcadia Winds.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theage.com.au/culture/music/glorious-debut-for-melbourne-s-new-online-concert-hall-20200329-p54eyr.html | title=Glorious debut for Melbourne's new online concert hall | work=The Age | author=Tony Way | date=2020-03-29 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
** The [[Canadian Opera Company]] announces cancellation of the remainder of its 2019–2020 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.coc.ca/COC-news1?EntryID=21093 | title=An Update on the Canadian Opera Company's Spring Season from COC General Director Alexander Neef | publisher=Canadian Opera Company | date=27 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
** The [[Vancouver Symphony Orchestra]] announces cancellation of all concerts through 6 June 2020, and plans to lay off its musicians and a portion of its staff on 12 April 2020, and a 50% reduction in pay to senior management, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/vancouver-symphony-orchestra-announces-cancellation-of-concerts-through-june-6-in-support-of-covid-19-mitigation-efforts/ | title=Vancouver Symphony Announces Cancellation of Concerts through June 06, 2020 in support of COVID-19 Mitigation | publisher=Vancouver Symphony Orchestra | date=27 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
** The [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]] announces the furlough of the musicians and librarians of the [[National Symphony Orchestra]], in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and shortly after announcement of separate $25M (USD) funding for the Kennedy Center.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://washingtonclassicalreview.com/2020/03/29/nso-musicians-laid-off-hours-after-kennedy-center-received-25-million/ | title=NSO musicians furloughed hours after Kennedy Center received $25 million | work=Washington Classical Review | author=Charles T. Downey | date=2020-03-29 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
* [[28 March]] – The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music announces the cancellation of its 2020 festival season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://cabrillomusic.org/a-letter-from-ellen-primack-and-liza-culick/#c19 | title=Messages from Ellen Primack, Liza Culick and Cristi Macelaru | publisher=Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music | date=28 March 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
* [[30 March]] – The [[Aldeburgh Festival]] announces the cancellation of its 2020 festival season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first-ever festival cancellation in the festival's history.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/30/aldeburgh-festival-2020-cancelled-coronavirus | title=Aldeburgh festival 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Imogen Tilden | date=2020-03-30 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
* [[31 March]]
** The [[Bayreuth Festival]] announces the cancellation of its 2020 festival season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.bayreuther-festspiele.de/en/festspiele/news/2020/suspension-bayreuth-festival-2020/ | title=Suspension Bayreuth Festival 2020 | publisher=Bayreuth Festival | date=31 March 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
** The [[Philharmonia Orchestra]] formally restructures its governance model, with the merger of Philharmonia Ltd and the Philharmonia Trust into a single organisation.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://philharmonia.co.uk/philharmonia-announces-governance-restructure/ | title=Philharmonia announces governance restructure | publisher=Philharmonia Orchestra | date=22 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
* [[1 April]]
** The [[Edinburgh International Festival]] announces the cancellation of its 2020 festival season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.eif.co.uk/festival-guide/news-and-blogs/a-message-from-our-festival-director | title=A message from our Festival Director | publisher=Edinburgh International Festival | date=1 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
** The Aspen Music Festival announces a delay in the scheduled start of its 2020 festival season to 16 July 2020, with cancellation of concerts in the originally scheduled first two weeks of the season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/about/press-area/press-releases/aaspen-music-festival-and-school-announces-two-week-delay/ | title=Aspen Music Festival And School Announces Two-Week Delay | publisher=Aspen Music Festival And School | date=1 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
* [[2 April]]
** The Dartington Music Summer School and Festival announces the cancellation of its summer season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.dartington.org/summer-school-cancelled/ | title=Dartington Music Summer School & Festival 2020 cancelled | publisher=Dartington Music Summer School & Festival | date=2 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
** The following arts organisations announce the cancellation of the remainder of their 2019–2020 seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
*** [[Carnegie Hall]]<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Press/Press-Releases/2020/04/02/May-July-Cancellations-4-2-2020 | title=Carnegie Hall Cancels Remainder of its 2019-2020 Season | publisher=Carnegie Hall | date=2 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
*** [[Lyric Opera of Chicago]]<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lyricopera.org/lyric-opera/covid-19-updates/ | title=Lyric Opera of Chicago COVID-19 Updates | publisher=Lyric Opera of Chicago | date=2 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
* [[3 April]]
** The [[League of American Orchestras]] announces the appointment of Simon Woods as its next chief executive.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/arts/music/simon-woods-league-orchestras.html | title=As Virus Threatens Orchestras, Trade Group Taps a New Leader | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-04-03 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
** Zachary Lewis, the classical music critic of the ''Cleveland Plain Dealer'', is made redundant from his post, along with 21 other ''Plain Dealer'' staff.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2020/04/03/22-plain-dealer-newsroom-staffers-laid-off-in-advance-union-purge | title=22 Plain Dealer Newsroom Staffers Laid off in Advance Union Purge | work=Cleveland Scene | author=Sam Allard | date=2020-04-03 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
** Vancouver Opera announces the appointment of Tom Wright as its new general director.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.vancouveropera.ca/2020/04/03/tom-wright-appointed-gd/ | title=Vancouver Opera celebrates the appointment of a new General Director, Tom Wright | publisher=Vancouver Opera | date=3 April 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[5 April]] – The [[Odense Symphony Orchestra]] announces the appointment of [[Pierre Bleuse]] as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with an initial contract of 3 seasons.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.odense.dk/presse/pressemeddelelser/pressemeddelelser-2020/pierre-bleuse-ny-chefdirigent-for-odense-symfoniorkester | title=Pierre Bleuse ny chefdirigent for Odense Symfoniorkester | publisher=Odense Kommune | date=5 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
* [[6 April]]
** The Salzburg Festival announces the cancellation of the [[Salzburg Whitsun Festival]] 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/en/swf-2020 | title=Cancellation of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival 2020 | publisher=Salzburg Festival | date=6 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
** Following arbitration by Richard Bloch, the New York Philharmonic is ordered to reinstate Liang Wang and Matthew Muckey as members of the orchestra, after Bloch's determination that the orchestra had dismissed Wang and Muckey in September 2018 on charges of sexual misconduct, without just cause.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/arts/music/new-york-philharmonic-misconduct.html | title=Philharmonic Players, Fired on Misconduct Grounds, Are Reinstated | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-04-07 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
* [[7 April]]
** The Cheltenham Festival announces the cancellation of its 2020 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/news/2020/04/statement-from-senior-management-board-of-cheltenham-festivals-/ | title=Statement from Senior Management Board of Cheltenham Festivals | publisher=Cheltenham Festivals | date=7 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
** The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces a reversal of its intended furlough of the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, following negotiations, which substitutes a wage cut through September 2020 in place of the musician furloughs.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://washingtonclassicalreview.com/2020/04/07/kennedy-center-reaches-new-contract-with-nso-that-keeps-musicians-on-the-payroll/ | title=Kennedy Center reaches new contract with NSO that keeps musicians on the payroll | work=Washington Classical Review | author=Charles T. Downey | date=2020-04-07 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
** Opera Theatre of Saint Louis announces the cancellation of its 2020 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.opera-stl.org/beyond-the-stage/2020-festival-season-cancellation-announcement | title=2020 Festival Season Cancellation Announcement | publisher=Opera Theatre of Saint Louis | date=7 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-12 | archive-date=12 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412152656/https://www.opera-stl.org/beyond-the-stage/2020-festival-season-cancellation-announcement | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** The [[Richmond Symphony Orchestra]] announces the appointment of Valentina Pileggi as its next music director, the first female conductor ever named to the post, effective 1 July 2020, with an initial contract of 4 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.richmondsymphony.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/HERE.pdf | title=Richmond Symphony names Valentina Peleggi as new Music Director | publisher=Richmond Symphony Orchestra | date=7 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
* [[9 April]] – The following organisations announce cancellation of their scheduled 2020 summer seasons in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** [[Lincoln Center for Performing Arts]] – 2020 Mostly Mozart Festival<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/arts/music/lincoln-center-coronavirus.html | title=Lincoln Center Cancels Summer Programs Because of Coronavirus | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-04-09 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
** [[Opera Saratoga]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/4/News/Opera_Saratoga_Cancels_2020_Summer_Festival_due_to_Pandemic.html | title=Opera Saratoga Cancels 2020 Summer Festival due to Pandemic | work=Opera News | date=2020-04-09 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
* [[13 April]] – The board of directors of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra announces a stand-down of the orchestra musicians and 12 administrative staff members, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.mso.com.au/media-centre/news/2020/04/a-statement-from-michael-ullmer-ao/ | title=A statement from Michael Ullmer AO, Chairman of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra | publisher=Melbourne Symphony Orchestra | date=14 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-26 | archive-date=6 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806070731/https://www.mso.com.au/media-centre/news/2020/04/a-statement-from-michael-ullmer-ao/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/mso-hibernates-its-musicians/ | title=MSO 'hibernates' its musicians | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Jo Litson | date=2020-04-14 | access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
* [[14 April]]
** Scottish Awards for New Music:<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/news/winners-announced-for-scottish-awards-for-new-music-2020/ | title=Winners announced for Scottish Awards for New Music | work=M Magazine | author=Maya Radcliffe | date=2020-04-15 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
*** Large Scale New Work (11+ performers) - [[Stuart MacRae (composer)|Stuart MacRae]]: ''Anthropocene''
*** The [[Royal Conservatoire of Scotland]] Award for Contribution to New Music in Scotland - Drake Music Scotland
*** Scottish New Music Performer(s) of the Year - [[Scottish Ensemble]]
*** Environmental Sustainability - Nevis Ensemble
*** The RCS Award for Making it Happen - Ben Lunn: ''Diversions''
*** The [[Incorporated Society of Musicians|ISM]] prize for Collaboration - ''Diversions'': Ben Lunn, Drake Music Scotland, Hebrides Ensemble and [[Queen's Hall, Edinburgh|Queen's Hall Edinburgh]]
*** The [[Dorico]] Award for Small / Medium Scale New Work (1 - 10 performers) - [[Martin Suckling]]: ''The Tuning''
*** Electroacoustic/Sound Artwork - Edwin Hillier: ''Dhātu''
*** Community/Education project (joint winners) - Tinderbox Collective and [[Scottish Chamber Orchestra|SCO]] Soundmoves
*** The Good Spirits Co Award for Innovation in New Traditional Music - [[Aidan O'Rourke (musician)|Aidan O'Rourke]] and Kit Downes: ''365'' 
*** Recorded New Work - Chamber Music and Songs by [[Judith Weir]]: ''Airs from Another Planet'' - Hebrides Ensemble (Delphian Records)
*** The SMIA Award for Creative Programming - [[Matthew Whiteside]]: ''[[The Night With...]]''
** The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music announces the appointment of Joe Miller as its next director of choral studies, effective 15 August 2020.  In parallel, Miller is to vacate his current directorship of the Westminster Choir.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2020/04/n20906982.html | title=CCM announces Joe Miller as new director of choral studies | publisher=University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music | date=14 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
** [[San Francisco Opera]] announces the cancellation of its 2020 summer season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://sfopera.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/2020-Summer-Season-canceled/ | title=2020 Summer Season Canceled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic | publisher=San Francisco Opera | date=14 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-18 | archive-date=23 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423171333/https://sfopera.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/2020-Summer-Season-canceled/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[15 April]] – The following music organisations announce cancellations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** Chorégies d'Orange: cancellation of its 2020 festival season<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/les-choregies-d-orange-2020-sont-annulees-83113 | title=Les Chorégies d'Orange 2020 sont annulées | work=France Musique | author=Sofia Anastasio | date=2020-04-15 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
** [[Cincinnati Opera]]: cancellation of its 2020 summer festival season<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.cincinnatiopera.org/2020-season-update | title=2020 Season Update | publisher=Cincinnati Opera | date=15 April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-26 | archive-date=20 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520224450/https://www.cincinnatiopera.org/2020-season-update | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[24 April]] – The ''Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur in Mainz'' announces [[Olga Neuwirth]] as the recipient of the 2020 ''Robert Schumann-Preis für Dichtung und Musik'' (Robert Schumann Prize for Poetry and Music).<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.br-klassik.de/aktuell/news-kritik/olga-neuwirth-komponistin-robert-schumann-preis-2020-100.html | title=Olga Neuwirth erhält Robert Schumann-Preis für Dichtung und Musik - Würdigung eines vielseitigen Schaffens | work=BR-Klassik | date=2020-04-24 | access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
* [[27 April]] – The Bayreuth Festival announces that Katharina Wagner is to stand down from her leadership posts with the Festival 'until further notice' ("''bis auf weiteres''"), because of ill health.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.br-klassik.de/aktuell/news-kritik/bayreuther-festspiele-katharina-wagner-krank-vertretung-geschaeftsfuehrung-100.html | title=Bayreuther Festspiele: Katharina Wagner längerfristig erkrankt | work=BR-Klassik | date=2020-04-27 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* [[29 April]]
** The [[Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra]] announces the appointment of [[Vassily Sinaisky]] as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.jfo.cz/novinky/do-67-sezonu-vstupuje-ostravsky-orchestr-s-novym-sefdirigentem/ | title=Do 67. sezóny vstupuje ostravský orchestr s novým šéfdirigentem | publisher=Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra | date=29 April 2020 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
** The following organisations announce cancellation of their respective concert series, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
*** Lucerne Festival: cancellation of its 2020 summer festival season<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lucernefestival.ch/en/blog/cancellation-of-the-summer-festival-17 | title=Cancellation of the 2020 Summer Festival | publisher=Lucerne Festival | date=29 April 2020 | access-date=2020-05-03 | archive-date=10 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810161226/https://www.lucernefestival.ch/en/blog/cancellation-of-the-summer-festival-17 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
*** San Francisco Symphony: cancellation of its remaining 2019–2020 season and summer 2020 concerts<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.sfsymphony.org/About-SFS/Press-Room/Press-Releases/COVID-19-Impact | title=San Francisco Symphony Announces Cancellation of ALL Remaining 2019–20 Season Concerts Including Summer with the Symphony | publisher=San Francisco Symphony | date=29 April 2020 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref> 
* [[1 May]]
** The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual ''Europakonzert'' for the first time at the [[Berliner Philharmonie]], to an empty hall, with a reduced contingent of musicians, soprano [[Christiane Karg]], and conductor [[Kirill Petrenko]], under social distancing guidelines, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.br-klassik.de/concert/ausstrahlung-2152922.html | title=30. Europakonzert: Berliner Philharmoniker mit Kirill Petrenko und Christiane Karg | work=BR-Klassik | date=2020-05-01 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
** The following music organisations announce the cancellation of planned festival seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
*** [[Ravinia Festival]]<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.ravinia.org/Page/CoronaVirus | title=Ravinia Cancels 2020 Season Due to Covid Pandemic | publisher=Ravinia Festival | date=1 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
*** Colorado Music Festival<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://coloradomusicfestival.org/health-and-safety/ | title=COVID-19 Updates: May 1, 2020 | publisher=Colorado Music Festival | date=1 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* [[4 May]] – The following US music festivals announce the cancellation of their respective 2020 festival seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** Aspen Music Festival and School<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/about/press-area/press-releases/aspen-music-festival-and-school-cancels-2020-season | title=Aspen Music Festival and School Cancels 2020 Season | publisher=Aspen Music Festival and School | date=2 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
** [[Grant Park Music Festival]]<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/in-the-spotlight/2020-season-is-cancelled | title=COVID-19 Forces Cancellation of 2020 Festival | publisher=Grant Park Music Festival | date=4 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[5 May]]
** The Metropolitan Opera announces furloughs of 41 of its staff and reduction to part-time status of 11 other staff members, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/arts/music/metropolitan-opera-coronavirus.html | title=Metropolitan Opera, Facing Sharp Losses, Furloughs Dozens | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-05-05 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
** Glyndebourne Opera announces cancellation of its 2020 summer season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.glyndebourne.com/festival/coronavirus-update/ | title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update | publisher=Glyndebourne Opera | date=5 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[6 May]] – [[Britten Sinfonia]] announces the appointment of Meurig Bowen as its next chief executive and artistic director, effective August 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://brittensinfonia.com/2020/05/06/meurig-bowen-appointed-chief-executive-and-artistic-director-of-britten-sinfonia/ | title=Meurig Bowen appointed Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Britten Sinfonia | publisher=Britten Sinfonia | date=6 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[7 May]]
** Help Musicians UK announces the appointment of Dame [[Evelyn Glennie]] as its new president.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/news/latest-news/dame-evelyn-glennie-ch-dbe-appointed-as-new-help-musicians-p | title=Dame Evelyn Glennie CH, DBE appointed as new Help Musicians President | publisher=Help Musicians UK | date=7 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
** Following consultation with seven Berlin orchestras, the Berlin Charité publishes proposed guidelines for resuming orchestral concerts under social distancing and health safety guidelines in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.musik-heute.de/20941/charite-empfiehlt-corona-regeln-fuer-orchester/ | title=Charité empfiehlt Corona-Regeln für Orchester | work=Musik Heute | date=2020-05-07 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
* [[11 May]] – The following US music festivals announce the cancellation of their respective 2020 festival seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** [[Santa Fe Opera]]<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.santafeopera.org/media-lounge/news-releases/santa-fe-opera-cancels-2020-season | title=The Santa Fe Opera Announces the Cancellation of its 2020 Season Due to COVID-19 Pandemic | publisher=Santa Fe Opera | date=11 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
** Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.santafechambermusic.com/2020-season-announcement/ | title=2020 Season Announcement | publisher=Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival | date=11 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-16 | archive-date=4 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604221512/https://www.santafechambermusic.com/2020-season-announcement/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[12 May]]
** The [[New Zealand Symphony Orchestra]] announces the appointment of Peter Biggs as its new chief executive.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.nzso.co.nz/new-zealands-orchestra/news-and-media/new-zealand-symphony-orchestra-appoints-new-ceo/ | title=New Zealand Symphony Orchestra appoints new Chief Executive | publisher=New Zealand Symphony Orchestra | date=12 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
** [[Wigmore Hall]] and [[BBC Radio 3]] announce a scheduled series of live concerts from Wigmore Hall, beginning on 1 June, to be performed to an empty hall and under social distancing guidelines, the first live concerts from the hall and broadcast on Radio 3 since the general COVID-19 lockdown.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/may/12/glimmer-of-hope-leading-performers-return-to-londons-wigmore-hall | title='Glimmer of hope': leading performers return to London's Wigmore Hall | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Imogen Tilden | date=2020-05-11 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
* [[13 May]] – The following music organisations announce the cancellation of their 2020 festival seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
** Riga Jurmula Music Festival<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://riga-jurmala.com/news-press/festival-suspended-until-2021/ | title=Riga Jurmala Music Festival suspended until 2021 due to COVID-19! | publisher=Riga Jurmula Music Festival | date=13 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
** Grand Teton Music Festival<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://gtmf.org/gtmf-cancels-2020-festival/ | title=Grand Teton Music Festival Cancels 2020 Festival, Announces Immersive Filmed Festival "Music from the Mountains" | publisher=Grand Teton Music Festival | date=13 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
* [[15 May]]
** Ulrike Lunacek resigns as Austrian minister of culture, following criticism of her actions with respect to the Austrian cultural economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000117526301/ruecktrittskultur-das-scheitern-der-ulrike-lunacek | title=Rücktrittskultur: Das Scheitern der Ulrike Lunacek | work=Der Standard | author=Stefan Weiss, Jan Michael Marchart, Theo Anders | date=2020-05-15 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
** The [[Rheingau Musik Festival]] announces the [[West-Eastern Divan Orchestra]] and [[Daniel Barenboim]] as the recipients of the 2020 ''Rheingau Musik Preis''.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.rheingau-musik-festival.de/en/festival/rheingau-musik-preis/ | title=Rheingau Music Prize 2020 for Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra | publisher=Rheingau Musik Festival | date=15 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
** The Boston Symphony Orchestra announces the cancellation of its 2020 Tanglewood summer festival season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://bso.http.internapcdn.net/bso/images/press-releases/tanglewood/2020/20200515.pdf | title=2020 Tanglewood Live Performance And Education Programs, Scheduled To Take Place June 19-August 27, Are Canceled Due To Concerns Over Spread OF COVID-19 | publisher=Boston Symphony Orchestra | date=15 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
* [[18 May]] 
** The government of Italy issues formal guidelines for the phased reopening of public performing arts events under social distancing guidelines, including limits of 200 audience members for indoor events and 1000 audience members for outdoor events.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.professoridorchestra.it/news/view/37/DPCM-Spettacoli-dal-15-giugno-ecco-le-condizioni?fbclid=IwAR3FwQQ_ByD-JYz1bNjffF7tQpdgdsttEsyyBPt7Cz9VCJt5z9KkPHekAZ8 | title=DPCM - Spettacoli dal 15 giugno, ecco le condizioni | work=Professori d'Orchestra | date=2020-05-17 | access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref>
** At the [[Staatstheater Wiesbaden]], under social distancing guidelines, [[Günther Groissböck]] and {{ill|Alexandra Goloubitskaia|de|Alexandra Goloubitskaia}} perform the first live recital to a local live audience since the COVID-19-imposed lockdown.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/19/arts/music/germany-music-coronavirus.html | title=An Audience Comes Out of Lockdown for Schubert and Mahler | work=The New York Times | author=Jack Ewing | date=2020-05-19 | access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref>
* [[20 May]] – The [[Lahti Symphony Orchestra]] simultaneously announces that [[Dima Slobodeniouk]] is to conclude his chief conductorship of the orchestra at the end of the 2020–2021 season, and the appointment of [[Dalia Stasevska]] as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with an initial contract of 3 seasons.  Stasevka is the first female conductor to be named chief conductor of the orchestra.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.sinfonialahti.fi/dalia-stasevska-to-become-chief-conductor-of-the-lahti-symphony-orchestra-from-202122-season/?lang=en | title=Dalia Stasevska to become Chief Conductor of the Lahti Symphony Orchestra from 2021/22 season | publisher=Lahti Symphony Orchestra | date=20 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref> 
* [[22 May]] – The Ravenna Festival announces the scheduled launch of its revised 2020 summer festival season to begin on 21 June 2020, under newly issued social distancing guidelines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.ravennafestival.org/en/the-italy-of-music-restarts-from-ravenna-festival/ | title=The Italy of music restarts from Ravenna Festival | publisher=Ravenna Festival | date=22 May 2020 | access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref> 
* [[25 May]] – The government of Austria announces its newest plans, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to allow public performing arts events to resume on 29 May 2020, under social distancing guidelines, with a maximum of 100 audience members and a suggested distance between patrons of 1 m.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000117685672/neuigkeiten-die-lockerungen-im-kulturbereich-ab-29-mai | title=Im Überblick: Die Lockerungen im Kulturbereich ab 29. Mai | work=Der Standard | date=2020-05-25 | access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref>
* [[26 May]] – The [[Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne]] announces the appointment of [[Renaud Capuçon]] as its next artistic director, effective with the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.ocl.ch/renaud-capucon-nomme-directeur-artistique-des-2021-2022-2/ | title=Renaud Capuçon nommé directeur artistique des 2021-2022 | publisher=Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne | date=26 May 2020 | access-date=2020-06-07 | archive-date=7 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607151708/https://www.ocl.ch/renaud-capucon-nomme-directeur-artistique-des-2021-2022-2/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> 
* [[29 May]] – Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announces that Jane Moss is to stand down as its artistic director in August 2020.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/29/arts/music/jane-moss-leaving-lincoln-center.html | title=Lincoln Center's Artistic Leader to Leave After Three Decades | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-05-29 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[30 May]] – Over a period of 15.5 hours, [[Igor Levit]] gives a solo performance of ''Vexations'' by Erik Satie, from Berlin.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/arts/music/igor-levit-vexations.html | title='I Just Let Myself Go': Igor Levit on Surviving a Satie Marathon | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-05-31 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[1 June]]
** The Metropolitan Opera announces cancellation of scheduled performances in the first part of its originally scheduled 2020–2021 season, through 30 December 2019, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/01/arts/music/metropolitan-opera-cancels-season-virus.html | title=The Metropolitan Opera Cancels All Fall Performances | work=The New York Times | author=Michael Cooper | date=2020-06-01 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
** At Wigmore Hall, [[Stephen Hough]] gives a live concert without an audience in attendance, video-streamed and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, the first live classical music concert in London and the first live music relay on BBC Radio 3 in 11 weeks since the imposition of COVID-19-related lockdown conditions.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/may/12/glimmer-of-hope-leading-performers-return-to-londons-wigmore-hall | title=Stephen Hough review – seriousness, not show, marks return of live music | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew Clements | date=2020-06-02 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
** Kim Varian becomes executive director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, having previously served as interim executive director of the orchestra.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://hpo.org/hpo-announces-new-executive-director/ | title=HPO Announces New Executive Director | publisher=Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra | date=25 May 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[3 June]] – The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra gives its first live performance since the imposition of lockdown conditions in The Netherlands in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, under social distancing conditions, conducted by [[Gustavo Gimeno]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.concertgebouworkest.nl/en/concertgebouworkest-to-stream-concert-3-june-2020 | title=Concertgebouworkest to stream concert 3 June 2020 | publisher=Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra | date=3 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[4 June]] – Dallas Opera announces postponement and programming reduction of its originally scheduled 2020–2021 season, along with staff redundancies and furloughs, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://dallasopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Dallas-Opera-Press-Release-06.04.2020.pdf | title=COVID-19 Concerns Force The Dallas Opera To Postpone Its Entire 2020/2021 Season Until Spring of 2021 | publisher=Dallas Opera | date=4 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[5 June]]
** The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs its first live concert at the Musikverein in Vienna since the imposition of lockdown conditions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a limited audience, with [[Daniel Barenboim]] as piano soloist and conductor.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000117882727/barenboim-beendet-konzertstille-im-musikverein | title=Barenboim beendet Konzertstille im Musikverein | work=Der Standard | date=2020-06-04 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
** The Konzert Theater Bern announces the appointment of Nicholas Carter as its next ''Operndirektor'' (director of opera), effective in the summer of 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.askonasholt.com/nicholas-carter-named-operndirektor-of-konzert-theater-bern/ | title=Nicholas Carter named Operndirektor of Konzert Theater Bern | publisher=Askonas Holt | date=5 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
** [[Seattle Opera]] announces the cancellation of the first production of its originally scheduled 2020–2021 season and staff furloughs, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/6/News/Seattle_Opera_Cancels_First_Production_of_2020-21_Season,_Cavalleria_Rusticana/Pagliacci_Double_Bill,_Furloughs_Nearly_Sixty_Percent_of_Administrative_Staff.html | title=Seattle Opera Cancels First Production of 2020-21 Season, Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci Double Bill, Furloughs Nearly Sixty Percent of its Administrative Staff | work=Opera News | date=2020-06-05 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[8 June]] – The Bozeman Symphony announces the appointment of Norman Huyhn as its next music director.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/bozeman-symphony-hires-huynh-as-new-music-director/article_b64bb82c-f821-5da1-9803-ee3f341203a6.html | title=Bozeman Symphony hires Huynh as new music director | work=Bozemand Daily Chronicle | author=Gail Schontzler | date=2020-06-09 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[9 June]]
** The ''Norddeutschen Philharmonie Rostock'' announces the appointment of Marcus Bosch as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www1.wdr.de/kultur/kulturnachrichten/neuer-chefdirigent-philharmonie-rostock-marcus-bosch-100.html | title=Neuer Chefdirigent der Philharmonie Rostock | work=WDR 1 | date=2020-06-09 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
** The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra announces the appointment of [[Domingo Hindoyan]] as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.liverpoolphil.com/news/press-releases/details/the-royal-liverpool-philharmonic-orchestra-today-announces-domingo-hindoyan-as-its-chief-conductor-from-september-2021 | title=The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra today announces Domingo Hindoyan as its Chief Conductor from September 2021 | publisher=Royal Liverpool Philharmonic | date=9 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-14 | archive-date=9 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609101214/https://www.liverpoolphil.com/news/press-releases/details/the-royal-liverpool-philharmonic-orchestra-today-announces-domingo-hindoyan-as-its-chief-conductor-from-september-2021 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** The Salzburg Festival announces its revised summer 2020 programme, abridged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to be given under social distancing conditions.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/6/News/Salzburg_Festival_Announces_Details_of_Amended_Summer_Programming,_Including_Elektra_and_Cosi_Productions.html | title=Salzburg Festival Announces Details of Amended Summer Programming, Including Elektra and Così Productions, Concert Performances by Anna Netrebko, Cecilia Bartoli, Gerald Finley, Matthias Goerne, Asmik Grigorian and Sonya Yoncheva | work=Opera News | date=2020-06-09 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
* [[10 June]]
** The Innsbruck Festival of Early Music (''Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik'') announces a revised and abridged summer 2020 festival programme, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.altemusik.at/en/festival/news/festival-takes-place | title=Innsbruck Festival 2020 takes place! | publisher=Innsbruck Festival of Early Music | date=10 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
** The New York Philharmonic announces the cancellation of the first part of its scheduled 2020–2021 season, through 5 January 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/10/arts/music/new-york-philharmonic-cancel-fall-season-virus.html | title=New York Philharmonic Cancels Fall Season | work=New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-06-10 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
* [[11 June]]
** In an interview with ''Le Monde'', Stéphane Lissner announces his intention to vacate the general directorship of the ''Opéra de Paris'' at the end of 2020, ahead of his originally scheduled summer 2021 departure.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.lemonde.fr/culture/article/2020/06/11/stephane-lissner-l-opera-de-paris-est-a-genoux_6042522_3246.html | title=Stéphane Lissner: 'L'Opéra de Paris est à genoux' | work=Le Monde | author=Marie-Aude Roux | date=2020-06-11 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
** Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announces the cancellation of the first part of its scheduled 2020–2021 season, through 5 January 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/6/News/Chamber_Music_Society_of_Lincoln_Center_Postpones_Live_Programming_Originally_Slated_for_Fall_2020_Until_2021.html | title=Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Postpones Live Programming Originally Slated for Fall 2020 Until 2021, Plans to Produce Online Concert Series | work=Opera News | date=2020-06-11 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
* [[12 June]] – The [[Nashville Symphony]] Orchestra announces the suspension of its concert activities through 31 July 2021, and the scheduled furlough of 79 musicians, 49 staff members, and music director [[Giancarlo Guerrero]] on 1 July 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/media/press-room/press-releases/news-releases/nashville-symphony-to-suspend-all-concert-activity-for-the-next-year/ | title=Nashville Symphony to Suspend All Concert Activity for the Next Year | publisher=Nashville Symphony | date=12 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-21 | archive-date=16 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616180909/https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/media/press-room/press-releases/news-releases/nashville-symphony-to-suspend-all-concert-activity-for-the-next-year/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[13 June]]
** The [[Hong Kong Philharmonic]] announces that [[Jaap van Zweden]] is to conclude his music directorship of the orchestra at the close of the 2023–2024 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.hkphil.org/press-release/hk-phil-announces-extension-of-jaap-van-zweden-s-music-director-tenure-through-2023-24-season | title=HK Phil announces extension of Jaap van Zweden's Music Director tenure through 2023/24 season | publisher=Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra | date=13 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
** The French music business store Wolf Musique ceases operations and closes its doors in Strasbourg, after 195 years of operation.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/a-strasbourg-fermeture-de-wolf-l-un-des-plus-anciens-magasins-de-musique-de-france-85068 | title=À Strasbourg, fermeture de Wolf, l'un des plus anciens magasins de musique de France | work=France Musique | author=Victor Tribot Laspière | date=2020-06-18 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
* [[15 June]] – [[Birmingham Opera Company]] announces the appointment of [[Alpesh Chauhan]] as its new music director, effective 1 July 2020.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/Birmingham-Opera-Company-Appoints-Alpesh-Chauhan-As-Music-Director-20200615 | title=Birmingham Opera Company Appoints Alpesh Chauhan As Music Director | work=Broadway World | date=2020-06-15 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
* [[16 June]]
** The following arts organisations announce cancellations of their scheduled autumn 2020 seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
*** [[Lyric Opera of Chicago]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/6/News/Lyric_Opera_of_Chicago_Cancels_Performances_Through_January_2021_Due_to_Pandemic.html | title=Lyric Opera of Chicago Cancels Performances Through December 2020 Due to Pandemic | work=Opera News | date=2020-06-16 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
*** [[San Francisco Opera]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/6/News/San_Francisco_Opera_Cancels_2020_Fall_Season_Owing_to_Pandemic.html | title=San Francisco Opera Cancels 2020 Fall Season Owing to Pandemic | work=Opera News | date=2020-06-16 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
** Universal Music Group announces the re-branding of its Virgin EMI label as EMI Records, and the appointment of Rebecca Allen as president of the EMI Records label.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.universalmusic.com/rebecca-allen-appointed-president-of-emi-records/ | title=Rebecca Allen Appointed President of EMI Records | publisher=Universal Music Group | date=16 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
** The Philadelphia Orchestra announces the appointment of Nicole Jordan as its new principal librarian, the first African-American musician named as a full-time member of the organisation in its history.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://whyy.org/articles/meet-nicole-jordan-the-philadelphia-orchestras-first-black-woman-musician-and-new-music-librarian/ | title=Meet Nicole Jordan, the Philadelphia Orchestra's first full-time Black woman musician and new music librarian | work=WHYY | author=Maria Pulcinella | date=2020-06-20 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[18 June]]
** The [[Orchestre de Paris]] announces the appointment of [[Klaus Mäkelä]] as its next music director, effective with the 2022–2023 season, with an initial contract of 5 seasons.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.orchestredeparis.com/fr/actualites/193/klaus-makela-prochain-directeur-musical-de-lorchestre-de-paris | title=Klaus Mäkelä, prochain Directeur musical de l'Orchestre de Paris | publisher=Orchestre de Paris | date=18 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
** The [[Deutsches Nationaltheater and Staatskapelle Weimar]] announces the appointment of Dominik Beykirch as its new chief conductor, effective with the 2020–2021 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.nationaltheater-weimar.de/de/aktuelles/aktuell_2020_06_18.php | title=Dominik Beykirch wird Chefdirigent Musiktheater | publisher=Deutsches Nationaltheater and Staatskapelle Weimar | date=18 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
** The following arts organisations announce cancellations of their scheduled autumn 2020 seasons, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
*** Carnegie Hall<ref name="NYTBahr">{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/18/arts/music/carnegie-hall-lincoln-center-cancel-fall-virus.html | title=Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center Cancel Fall Performances | work=The New York Times | author=Sarah Bahr | date=2020-06-18 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
*** Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts<ref name="NYTBahr"/>
*** San Francisco Symphony<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.sfsymphony.org/About-SFS/Press-Room/Press-Releases/SFS-2020-Fall-Season-Announcement | title=San Francisco Symphony Announces Cancellation Of All Concerts Through December 31, 2020 | publisher=San Francisco Symphony | date=18 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
** The [[Music Critics Association of North America]] (MCANA) announces its 2020 Award for Best New Opera to ''Blue'', by composer [[Jeanine Tesori]] and librettist [[Tazewell Thompson]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/6/News/Music_Critics_Association_of_North_America_Names_Jeanine_Tesori_and_Tazewell_Thompson_s_Blue_Best_New_Opera.html | title=Music Critics Association of North America Names Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson's Blue Best New Opera of 2020 | work=Opera News | date=2020-06-18 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
* [[22 June]] – Canadian Opera Company announces the cancellation of its scheduled autumn 2020 performances through the end of 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.coc.ca/COC-news1?EntryID=22008 | title=Important Fall 2020 Programming Update | publisher=Canadian Opera Company | date=22 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[23 June]]
** The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces the cancellation of the scheduled autumn performances of the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera through the end of 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/press-releases/kc-cancels-through-end-of-2020/ | title=Kennedy Center Cancels Most Previously Scheduled Performances Through the End of 2020 Due to COVID-19 | publisher=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | date=23 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
** [[Houston Grand Opera]] announces cancellation of performances in its scheduled 2020–2021 season through February 2021, along with staff redundancies and salary reductions for remaining staff, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.houstongrandopera.org/globalassets/publications-media--news-items/press-releases/final-for-distribution_202021-press-release-6.23.20.pdf | title=Houston Grand Opera AnnouncesUpdatesfor the 2020–21 Season | publisher=Houston Grand Opera | date=23 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28 | archive-date=30 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630100154/https://www.houstongrandopera.org/globalassets/publications-media--news-items/press-releases/final-for-distribution_202021-press-release-6.23.20.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[24 June]]
** The Omaha Symphony Orchestra announces the appointment of Ankush Kumar Bahl as its next music director, effective with the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://omahasymphony.org/music-director-designate-introduction | title=Music Director Designate: Ankush Kumar Bahl Joins the Omaha Symphony in 2021 | publisher=Omaha Symphony Orchestra | date=24 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
** Utah Symphony | Utah Opera announces the appointment of Steven Brosvik as its next president and chief executive officer, effective August 17, 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://usuo.org/news/press-releases/steven-brosvik-usuo-ceo/ | title=Houston Grand Opera AnnouncesUpdatesfor the 2020–21 Season | publisher=Utah Symphony / Utah Opera | date=24 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[25 June]]
** The following music organisations announce postponement of their originally scheduled autumn 2020 performances, through the end of 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
*** Calgary Opera<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://calgaryopera.com/news/2020update | title=Calgary Opera Announces It Is Postponing Its Full 2020-21 Season to the Following Year | publisher=Calgary Opera | date=23 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
*** Calgary Symphony
** The London Philharmonic Orchestra announces the appointment of Cristina Rocca as its new artistic director, effective November 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lpo.org.uk/news/lpo-announces-cristina-rocca-as-new-ad.html | title=LPO announces Cristina Rocca as new Artistic Director | publisher=London Philharmonic Orchestra | date=25 June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[26 June]]
** The city of [[Bochum]] announces the appointment of Tung-Chieh Chuang as the next ''Generalmusikdirektor'' of the Bochum Symphony, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with an initial contract of 3 years.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/taiwanesischer-dirigent-tung-chieh-chuang-wird-generalmusikdirektor-in-bochum | title=Taiwanesischer Dirigent Tung-Chieh Chuang wird Generalmusikdirektor in Bochum | work=NMZ | date=2020-06-27 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
** [[Columbia University]] announces [[Steven Schick]] as the recipient of the 2020 Ditson Conductor's Award.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://music.columbia.edu/news/steven-schick-wins-2020-ditson-conductors-award | title=Steven Schick Wins 2020 Ditson Conductor's Award | publisher=Columbia University | date=26 June 2020 | access-date=2020-07-03}}</ref>
* [[27 June]] – The [[Vermont Symphony Orchestra]] announces the appointment of Elise Brunelle as its new executive director.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.vermontbiz.com/news/2020/june/27/vermont-symphony-orchestra-names-new-executive-director | title=Vermont Symphony Orchestra names new executive director | work=Vermont Business Magazine | date=2020-06-27 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[28 June]] – Frédéric Lodéon hosts the France Musique radio programme ''Carrefour de Lodéon'' for the final time, prior to his retirement.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/frederic-lodeon-raccroche-le-micro-85298 | title=Frédéric Lodéon raccroche le micro | work=France Musique | date=2020-06-26 | access-date=2020-06-28}}</ref>
* [[1 July]] – The [[Teatro Real]] Madrid gives a live staged performance of ''[[La traviata]]'', under social distancing conditions, the first opera performance in Spain since the imposition of lockdown conditions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/01/madrids-teatro-real-reopens-with-socially-distanced-opera | title=Madrid's Teatro Real reopens with socially distanced opera | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Ashifa Kassam | date=2020-07-01 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[2 July]] – [[Opera North]] announces postponement of its originally scheduled autumn 2020 and winter 2021 productions, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.operanorth.co.uk/news/covid-19-update-postponement-of-autumn-winter-season/ | title=Postponement of Autumn / Winter Seasons | publisher=Opera North | date=2 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
* [[3 July]]
** The city of [[Wuppertal]] announces the appointment of [[Patrick Hahn]] as its next ''Generalmusikdirektor'' (GMD), to encompass both the ''Wuppertaler Bühnen und Sinfonieorchester GmbH'', effective with the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.wuppertal.de/presse/meldungen/meldungen-2020/juli20/neuer-gmd.php | title=Patrick Hahn wird neuer Generalmusikdirektor | publisher=City of Wuppertal | date=3 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
** The BBC Proms announces its reconfigured 2020 Proms season, with 6 weeks of archival Proms and selected new digital content, and the final 2 weeks of the season scheduled to feature live concerts under social distancing guidelines at the Royal Albert Hall.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/fantasy-proms-season | title=Musical greats from the past and the present brought together in one extraordinary Proms season | publisher=BBC Media Centre | date=3 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
** Dutch National Opera & Ballet announces that general director Els van der Plas is to leave the company on 1 November 2020, to take a new post at the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.operaballet.nl/en/news/2020/07/general-director-els-van-der-plas-leaving | title=General Director Els van der Plas is leaving | publisher=De Nationale Opera & Ballet | date=3 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12 | archive-date=12 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712170435/https://www.operaballet.nl/en/news/2020/07/general-director-els-van-der-plas-leaving | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[4 July]] – The Bamberg Symphony announces the prize winners of its 2020 Mahler Competition for conductors:
** First Prize: Finnegan Downie Dear
** Second Prize: Thomas Jung
** Third Prize: Wilson Ng, Harry Ogg, Katharina Wincor
* [[5 July]] – The UK government announces plans for a £1.57 billion relief package for arts and heritage sectors.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/boris-johnson-uk-lifeline-arts-heritage-sector-afloat | title=Boris Johnson pledges £1.5bn lifeline to keep UK's arts sector afloat | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Mark Brown | date=2020-07-05 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[6 July]]
** The government of France announces the nomination of Roselyne Bachelot as its next minister of culture.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/roselyne-bachelot-une-nomination-saluee-par-des-acteurs-culturels-en-detresse-85758 | title=Roselyne Bachelot, une nomination saluée par des acteurs culturels en détresse | work=France Musique | author=Victor Tribot Laspière | date=2020-07-09 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
** The Toronto Symphony Orchestra announces the cancellation of its originally scheduled 2020-2021 concert season, with plans to be announced for replacement concerts on a smaller scale in various Toronto venues, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.tso.ca/news-release/tso-replaces-season-plans-perform-smaller-events-across-gta | title=TSO Replaces Season with Plans to Perform Smaller Events across the GTA | publisher=Toronto Symphony Orchestra | date=6 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[7 July]]
** The [[MacDowell Colony]] announces its renaming to MacDowell.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/07/arts/design/macdowell-arts-colony-name-change.html | title=MacDowell Colony Drops the Word 'Colony', Citing 'Oppressive Overtones' | work=The New York Times | author=Julia Jones | date=2020-07-07 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
** The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale announces the cancellation of its originally scheduled 2020–2021 season concerts through December 2020, with plans to be announced for a replacement '2020/VIRTUAL' series, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://philharmonia.org/2020-21-update/ | title=Important Update Regarding 2020/21 Season | publisher=Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale | date=7 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
** The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts announces the cancellation of its originally scheduled 2020–2021 season concerts through January 2021, which impacts the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the Harriman-Jewell Series, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.kcsymphony.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kansas-City-Ballet-Kansas-City-Symphony-Lyric-Opera-of-Kansas-City-and-Harriman-Jewell-Series-Announce-Revised-2020-21-Season-July-7-2020.pdf | title=Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Harriman-Jewell Series Announce Revised 2020-21 Season | publisher=Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | date=7 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[8 July]]
** The [[Orchester Musikkollegium Winterthur]] announces the appointment of Roberto González-Monjas as its next music director, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with an initial contract of 4 seasons.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.musikkollegium.ch/de/news/neuer-chefdirigent-ab-2021-22 | title=Neuer Chefdirigent ab 2021/22: Roberto González-Monjas | publisher=Orchester Musikkollegium Winterthur | date=8 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
** Cadogan Hall presents a live concert by the English Chamber Orchestra (ECO) under social distancing guidelines, the first live concert at Cadogan Hall and the first live ECO performance since the imposition of lockdown conditions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://seenandheard-international.com/2020/07/english-chamber-orchestra-return-to-cadogan-hall/ | title=English Chamber Orchestra return to Cadogan Hall | work=Seen and Heard International | author=Claire Seymour | date=2020-07-09 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
** The [[Charlotte Symphony Orchestra]] announces the appointment of David Fisk as its next president and chief executive officer, effective 31 August 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.charlottesymphony.org/blog/watch-now-meet-incoming-president-ceo-david-fisk.htm | title=Meet David Fisk, Your Charlotte Symphonys new CEO! | publisher=Charlotte Symphony | date=8 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
** The Oregon Symphony announces the cancellation of its originally scheduled 2020–2021 season concerts through December 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.orsymphony.org/about/press-room/press-releases/july-8-2020/ | title=Oregon Symphony cancels all concerts scheduled through December 2020 | publisher=Oregon Symphony | date=8 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[9 July]] – [[New Orleans Opera]] announces the appointment of Clare Burovac as its next general director, effective 15 September 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://neworleansopera.org/news/clare-burovac-named-general-director-designate/ | title=Clare Burovac named General Director-Designate | publisher=New Orleans Opera | date=9 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[10 July]] – The Ravinia Festival announces the appointment of Jeffrey Haydon as its next president and chief executive officer.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/content.ravinia.org/pdfs/2020-Ravinia-Hires-Haydon-with-bio.pdf | title=Clare Burovac named General Director-Designate | publisher=New Orleans Opera | date=9 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[16 July]]
** The [[Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg]] announces the appointment of Aziz Shokhakimov as its next music director, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with an initial contract of 3 seasons.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.strasbourg.eu/documents/6009171/6069536/Communiqu%C3%A9+AS+final.pdf/72f701a1-bd0e-4f4f-0688-80f347bce1c3 | title=Aziz Shokhakimov: nouveau directeur musical et artistique de l'Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg | publisher=Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg | date=15 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
** The following USA music organisations have announced cancellation of events through December 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:
*** New Jersey Symphony Orchestra<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.njsymphony.org/concerts-and-events/patron-services/njso-special-announcement | title=NJSO Special Announcement | publisher=New Jersey Symphony Orchestra | date=16 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-28 | archive-date=28 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728190142/https://www.njsymphony.org/concerts-and-events/patron-services/njso-special-announcement | url-status=dead }}</ref>
*** Chicago Symphony Orchestra<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cso.org/globalassets/about/pr-press-releases/2020-21/csoa-announces-2020_21-season-update_07.16.20.pdf | title= Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association Announces Update for 2020/21 Season Programming | publisher=Chicago Symphony Orchestra | date=16 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
*** Los Angeles Philharmonic<ref>{{cite press release | url= https://www.laphil.com/faqs/coronavirus-covid-19 | title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates | publisher=Los Angeles Philharmonic | date=16 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref> 
* [[18 July]] – A fire at [[Nantes Cathedral]] destroys the cathedral organ.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/musique-classique/incendie-a-la-cathedrale-de-nantes-86108 | title=Incendie à la Cathédrale de Nantes: l'orgue entièrement détruit | work=France Musique | author=Christophe Dilys | date=2020-07-18 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[20 July]] – The [[Richard Tucker (tenor)|Richard Tucker]] Music Foundation removes David N. Tucker from its board of directors, following his posting of racialist comments on Facebook.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/7/News/Richard_Tucker_Music_Foundation_Removes_Trustee_from_Board_After.html | title=Richard Tucker Music Foundation Removes Tenor's Son David N. Tucker from Board After Racially Charged Comments | work=Opera News | date=2020-07-20 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[27 July]] – The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra announces the cancellation of its originally scheduled 2020–2021 season concerts through 3 January 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/your-visit/what-to-expect/fall-2020-update/ | title=Fall 2020 Update | publisher=Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | date=27 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[28 July]]
** The Grand Teton Music Festival announces the appointment of Emma Kail as its next executive director, effective 1 September 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://gtmf.org/grand-teton-music-festival-welcomes-new-executive-director-emma-kail/ | title=Grand Teton Music Festival Welcomes New Executive Director Emma Kail | publisher=Grand Teton Music Festival | date=28 July 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
** LA Opera announces postponement of its originally scheduled autumn 2020 productions and rescheduling of them to the 2021–2022 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.laopera.org/about-us/press-room/press-releases-and-statements/press-release-la-opera-postpones-four-fall-productions/ | title=LA Opera Postpones Four Fall Productions; Announces New Digital Programming | publisher=LA Opera | date=28 July 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[30 July]]
** The Boston Symphony Orchestra announces cancellation of its scheduled subscription concerts through November 2020, the first-ever full cancellation of the orchestra's autumn subscription concerts in its history, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://a5974837ba.site.internapcdn.net/images/press-releases/bso/20-21/20200730.pdf | title=Boston Symphony Orchestra Cancels Fall Period of 2020-21 Season At Symphony Hall, September 16-November 28 (37 Concerts, 14 Programs), due to Continuing Concerns About Spread of COVID-19 | publisher=Boston Symphony Orchestra | date=30 July 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
** The Kansas City Symphony announces a new contract agreement, as an amendment to the current contract through the 2023–2024 season with the orchestra musicians, that includes a 19% reduction in musician salaries for the 2020–2021 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.kcsymphony.org/2020/07/30/kansas-city-symphony-musicians-reach-new-contract-agreement-for-2020-21-season/ | title=Kansas City Symphony, Musicians Reach New Contract Agreement for 2020-21 Season | publisher=Kansas City Symphony | date=30 July 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[31 July]] – [[San Francisco Opera]] announces the appointments of Carrie-Ann Matheson and of Markus Beam respectively as artistic director and general manager of its San Francisco Opera Center.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://sfopera.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/SFOC-Leadership-Matheson-Beam/ | title=Carrie-Ann Matheson Appointed Artistic Director and Markus Beam Appointed General Manager of San Francisco Opera Center | publisher=San Francisco Opera | date=31 July 2020 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[1 August]] – The opening night of the [[Salzburg Festival]] takes place, under social distancing guidelines, including a staged production of Richard Strauss' ''[[Elektra (opera)|Elektra]]'' with a limited audience present.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/05/arts/music/salzburg-festival-coronavirus.html | title=It's (Almost) Business as Usual at the Salzburg Festival | work=The New York Times | author=A.J. Goldmann | date=2020-08-05 | access-date=2020-08-14}}</ref>
* [[2 August]] – The [[Salzburg Festival]] presents the first night of its new production of ''[[Così fan tutte]]'', in an abridged version without an interval, conducted by [[Joana Mallwitz]], the third female conductor to conduct an opera production at the Salzburg Festival, and the first female conductor directly scheduled in advance by the Salzburg Festival for an opera production.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/13/arts/music/joana-mallwitz-conductor-salzburg.html | title=A Woman Takes the Podium at Salzburg | work=The New York Times | author=A.J. Goldmann | date=2020-08-13 | access-date=2020-08-14}}</ref>
* [[4 August]] – The Dallas Opera announces the posthumous awarding of its 2020 Maria Callas Award to Terrence McNally.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://dallasopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20-Callas-Award-to-McNally-FINAL-1-1.pdf | title=The Dallas Opera's 2020 "Maria Callas Award" is Given Posthumously to Legendary Playwright, Screenwriter, and Librettist Terrence McNally | publisher=The Dallas Opera | date=4 August 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[5 August]] – [[Fort Worth Opera]] announces the cancellation of the 2020 McCammon Voice Competition, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the awarding of US$300 to each of the competition semi-finalists.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.fwopera.org/post/2020-mccammon-voice-competition-cancelled-thirty-semi-finalists-granted-an-award | title=2020 McCammon Voice Competition Cancelled & Thirty Semi-Finalists Granted an Award | publisher=Fort Worth Opera | date=5 August 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[7 August]] – The [[Curtis Institute of Music]] announces the appointment of the Dover Quartet as the newly established Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble-in-Residence, effective 31 August 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.curtis.edu/news-folder/summer-2020/the-dover-quartet-joins-the-curtis-institute-of-music-faculty-as-first-penelope-p.-watkins-ensemble-in-residence/ | title=The Dover Quartet Joins the Curtis Institute of Music Faculty as First Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence | publisher=Curtis Institute of Music | date=7 August 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[8 August]]
** The Boston Symphony Orchestra announces cancellation of its scheduled subscription concerts through November 2020, the first-ever full cancellation of the orchestra's autumn subscription concerts in its history, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://a5974837ba.site.internapcdn.net/images/press-releases/bso/20-21/20200730.pdf | title=Boston Symphony Orchestra Cancels Fall Period of 2020-21 Season At Symphony Hall, September 16-November 28 (37 Concerts, 14 Programs), due to Continuing Concerns About Spread of COVID-19 | publisher=Boston Symphony Orchestra | date=30 July 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
** The Kansas City Symphony announces a new contract agreement, as an amendment to the current contract through the 2023–2024 season with the orchestra musicians, that includes a 19% reduction in musician salaries for the 2020–2021 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.kcsymphony.org/2020/07/30/kansas-city-symphony-musicians-reach-new-contract-agreement-for-2020-21-season/ | title=Kansas City Symphony, Musicians Reach New Contract Agreement for 2020-21 Season | publisher=Kansas City Symphony | date=30 July 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[10 August]] – Manhattan School of Music announces the appointment of Tazewell Thompson as its new director of opera studies, with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/8/News/Tazewell_Thompson_Named_Director_of_Opera_Studies_at_Manhattan_School_of_Music.html | title=Tazewell Thompson Named Director of Opera Studies at Manhattan School of Music | work=Opera News | date=2020-08-10 | access-date=2020-08-14}}</ref>
* [[12 August]] – Glyndebourne Opera stages the first night of its new live production of Jacques Offenbach's ''Mesdames de la Halle'', in English translation under the title ''In the Market for Love, or Onions are Forever'', under social distancing conditions for the musicians and audience, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://seenandheard-international.com/2020/09/glyndebourne-2020-a-little-brightness-in-all-the-pandemic-doom-and-gloom/ | title=Glyndebourne 2020 – A little brightness in all the pandemic doom and gloom | work=Seen and Heard International | author=Margarida Mota-Bull | date=2020-09-01 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[17 August]]
** Wigmore Hall announces a schedule for 100 autumn season concerts under social distancing conditions, scheduled for the period of 13 September 2020 to 22 December 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/news/john-gilhooly-confirms-new-autumn-series | title=Artistic Director John Gilhooly confirms 100 concerts for newly revised Wigmore programme from 13 September – 22 December | publisher=Wigmore Hall | date=17 August 2020 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
** The Harris Theater, Chicago announces the appointment of Lori Dimum as its new president and chief executive officer, with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.harristheaterchicago.org/files/media_files/HT-Announces-President-and-CEO-8.17.20-lo_1.pdf | title=Harris Theater Appoints New President and CEO, Lori Dimun | publisher=Harris Theater | date=17 August 2020 | access-date=2020-09-04 | archive-date=13 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913053301/https://www.harristheaterchicago.org/files/media_files/HT-Announces-President-and-CEO-8.17.20-lo_1.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref>
** The [[Phoenix Symphony]] announces the cancellation of its 2020-2021 concert season, the first US orchestra to cancel its planned 2020–2021 season in its entirety, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://phoenixsymphony.org/tickets/2021subscriptions?_ga=2.116882694.109030668.1599246632-184982929.1599246632 | title=2020/21 Subscriptions | publisher=Phoenix Symphony | date=17 August 2020 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[21 August]] – Opera Australia announces plans to sell its warehouse in Alexandria, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/covid-19-forces-opera-australia-to-restructure-and-sell-building/ | title=COVID-19 forces Opera Australia to restructure and sell building | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Jo Litson | date=2020-08-21 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[28 August]]
** [[Imogen Cooper]] is announced as the recipient of The Queens Medal for Music 2019.<ref>{{cite news | title=Pianist Imogen Cooper wins the Queen's Medal for Music 2019 | url=https://www.classical-music.com/news/pianist-imogen-cooper-wins-the-queens-medal-for-music-2019/| work=Classical Music (BBC Music Magazine) | date=2020-08-28 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
** The Théâtre du Châtelet announces the departure of Ruth Mackenzie as its artistic director, with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/depart-surprise-de-ruth-mackenzie-du-theatre-du-chatelet-86988 | title=Départ surprise de Ruth Mackenzie du Théâtre du Châtelet | author=Clément Buzalka | date=2020-08-28 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
** The first live concert of the 2020 [[BBC Proms]] takes place at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the [[BBC Symphony Orchestra]] and the [[BBC Singers]] conducted by [[Sakari Oramo]], under social distancing conditions for the musicians, without an audience and to an empty hall.<ref name="Evans20200830">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/30/first-night-of-the-proms-review-royal-albert-hall-bbcso-sakari-oramo | title=First Night of the Proms review: Oramo conjures hope from Beethoven | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Rian Evans | date=2020-08-30 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[31 August]] – Columbia Artists Management Inc. ceases operations after 90 years.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/8/News/Columbia_Artists,_Storied_Agency_Representing_Classical_Music_and_Opera_s_Biggest_Names,_Shuts_Down.html | title=Columbia Artists, Storied Agency Representing Classical Music and Opera's Biggest Names, Shuts Down | work=Opera News | date=2020-08-31 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[1 September]]
** [[Cristian Măcelaru]] becomes music director of the [[Orchestre National de France]], one year earlier than originally scheduled.<ref>{{cite news | author=Laurent Borde | title=Cristian Măcelaru devient le nouveau directeur musical de l'Orchestre national de France  | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/musique-classique/cristian-macelaru-nouveau-directeur-musical-de-l-orchestre-national-de-france-87003 | work=France Musique | date=2020-09-01 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
** Alexander Neef becomes general director of the Opéra de Paris, ahead of his originally scheduled 2021 advent to the post, and Stéphane Lissner formally stands down from the same post.<ref>{{cite news | author=Laurent Borde | title=Alexander Neef intronisé à la tête de l'Opéra de Paris | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/opera/alexander-neef-intronise-a-la-tete-de-l-opera-87009 | work=France Musique | date=2020-09-01 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[5 September]] – At the ''Sankt Burchardi Kirche'' (St. Burchardi Church), [[Halberstadt]], the newest chord change in the planned 639-year performance of John Cage's ''Organ2/ASLSP'' (''[[As Slow as Possible]]'') takes place, the first chord change since October 2013.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/07/arts/music/john-cage-as-slow-as-possible-germany.html | title=A 639-Year Concert, With No Intermission for Coronavirus | work=The New York Times | author=Catherine Hickley | date=2020-09-07 | access-date=2020-09-12}}</ref>
* [[9 September]]
** [[Michigan Opera Theatre]] announces the appointment of [[Yuval Sharon]] as its new artistic director, with an initial contract of 5 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://cdn.michiganopera.org/20200911131306/Yuval-Sharon-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf | title=Michigan Opera Theatre Names Yuval Sharon as Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director | publisher=Michigan Opera Theatre | date=9 September 2020 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
** Virginia Opera announces the appointment of Peggy Kriha Dye as its new general director and chief executive officer, effective 18 October 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://vaopera.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PRLS.Peggy-Kriha-Dye-Announcement.pdf | title=Virginia Opera Appoints Peggy Kriha Dye As Organization's New General Director And CEO | publisher=Virginia Opera | date=9 September 2020 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[10 September]] – The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs its 2020–2021 season opening concert under the direction of music director [[Fabio Luisi]], under social distancing conditions with a reduced orchestra and a limited audience in attendance, the first US orchestra to perform its opening concert to a live audience with its music director since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://texasclassicalreview.com/2020/09/11/dallas-symphony-opens-a-new-era-with-brilliant-beethoven/ | title=Dallas Symphony Orchestra opens a new era with brilliant Beethoven | work=Texas Classical Review | author=Richard Sylvester Oliver | date=2020-09-11 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[15 September]]
** Corinna Niemeyer becomes artistic director and music director of the Orchestre de Chambre du Luxembourg (OCL), the first female conductor ever to hold these posts with the OCL, with an initial contract of 4 years.<ref>{{cite news | title=Une femme à la tête de l'Orchestre de chambre du Luxembourg | url=https://www.diapasonmag.fr/a-la-une/une-femme-a-la-tete-de-l-orchestre-de-chambre-du-luxembourg-31146 | work=Diapason | date=2020-09-25 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
** The Avery Fisher Artist Program announces Anthony McGill as the recipient of the 2020 Avery Fisher Prize.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/15/arts/music/anthony-mcgill-avery-fisher-prize.html | title=Anthony McGill, 'Citizen Musician,' Wins $100,000 Award | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-09-15 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[16 September]] - The [[Royal Philharmonic Society]] awards honorary membership to Dame [[Sarah Connolly]], at a live Wigmore Hall recital.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/rps_today/news/sarah-connolly-receives-honorary-membership | title=Sarah Connolly receives Honorary Membership | publisher=Royal Philharmonic Society | date=16 September 2020 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[17 September]]
** [[Anna Netrebko]] announces via Instagram that she has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/17/arts/music/anna-netrebko-coronavirus-bolshoi.html | title=Opera Star Anna Netrebko Is Hospitalized With Covid-19 | work=The New York Times | author=Alex Marshall | date=2020-09-17 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
** The Erzgebirgischen Theater- und Orchester GmbH announces that Naoshi Takahashi is to conclude his tenure as its ''Generalmusikdirektor'' (GMD), in March 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lifepr.de/pressemitteilung/erzgebirgische-theater-orchester-gmbh-annaberg-buchholz/Generalmusikdirektor-Naoshi-Takahashi-verlaesst-das-Erzgebirge/boxid/815723 | title=Generalmusikdirektor Naoshi Takahashi verlässt das Erzgebirge | publisher=Erzgebirgischen Theater- und Orchester GmbH | date=17 September 2020 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[20 September]] – At the Teatro Real Madrid, during a performance of ''[[Un ballo in maschera]]'', audience protests in the mezzanine section at the close proximity of the patrons in that section cause the performance to be abandoned.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/21/arts/music/madrid-opera-protest-crowding-teatro-real.html | title=Madrid Opera Shut Down by Audience Angry at Crowding in Cheap Seats | work=The New York Times | author=Raphael Minder | date=2020-08-28 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[21 September]] – Katharina Wagner resumes work at the Bayreuth Festival, following her recovery from illness earlier in the year.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/katharina-wagner-vollstaendig-genesen-zurueck-in-bayreuth | title=Katharina Wagner "vollständig genesen" zurück in Bayreuth | work=NMZ | author= | date=2020-09-16 | access-date=2020-12-30}}</ref>
* [[22 September]] – The Curtis Institute of Music releases the full report of investigations into past allegations of sexual misconduct by Curtis faculty, including by Jascha Brodsky against Lara St. John.<ref>{{cite press release | url= https://www.curtis.edu/investigative-report/ | title=Statement and Investigative Report Released: Statement from the Curtis Institute Board of Trustees | publisher=Curtis Institute of Music | date=22 September 2020 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
* [[23 September]] – The Metropolitan Opera announces the cancellation of its planned 2020-2021 mainstage season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/arts/music/metropolitan-opera-cancels-coronavirus.html | title=The Metropolitan Opera Won't Reopen for Another Year | work=The New York Times | author=Michael Cooper | date=2020-09-23 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
* [[24 September]] – The Spoleto Festival USA announces that Nigel Redden is to retire as its general director in October 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://spoletousa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Redden-Announcement-9.24.20-SFUSA_final.pdf | title=Nigel Redden to Retire as General Director of Spoleto Festival USA | publisher= Spoleto Festival USA | date=24 September 2020 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
* [[25 September]] – Opera Australia makes redundant 16 of its orchestra musicians.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/opera-australia-axes-musicians/ | title= Opera Australia axes musicians | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Angus McPherson | date=2020-09-28 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
* [[29 September]] – The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) formally endorses [[Joseph Biden]] and [[Kamala Harris]] for president and vice-president, respectively, of the US, the first such endorsement in AGMA's history.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.musicalartists.org/agma-endorses-joseph-biden-for-president/ | title=AGMA Endorses Joseph Biden for President | publisher= American Guild of Musical Artists | date=29 September 2020 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
* [[6 October]]
** The [[Vienna Volksoper]] announces the appointment of Lotte de Beer as its next artistic director, the first woman ever named to the post, effective 1 September 2022, with an initial contract of 5 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.volksoper.at/volksoper_wien/information/news_neuigkeiten/Lotte_de_Beer_wird_Kuenstlerische_Leiterin_de.de.php | title=Lotte de Beer wird neue Volksopern-Direktorin | publisher=Volksoper Wien | date=6 October 2020 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
** 400 professional UK musicians stage a socially distanced performance protest in support of musicians not covered by the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/coronavirus/400-musicians-parliament-square-protest-nicola-benedetti/ | title=Violinist Tasmin Little warns of 'cultural desert' as 400 musicians perform in Parliament Square protest | work=Classic FM | author=Maddy Shaw Roberts | date=2020-10-06 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
** The Canadian Opera Company announces the cancellation of its remaining spring 2021 mainstage productions, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.coc.ca/COC-news1?EntryID=22296 | title=An Important Update on the Canadian Opera Companys 2020/2021 Season | publisher=Canadian Opera Company | date=6 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* [[8 October]] – [[Calgary Opera]] announces the resignation of [[Bramwell Tovey]] as its artistic director.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://calgaryopera.com/news/announcing-the-departure-of-bramwell-tovey-as-artistic-director | title=Bramwell Tovey Stepping Down as Artistic Director of Calgary Opera | publisher=Calgary Opera | date=8 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* [[9 October]] – Queen's Birthday Honours List 2020<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/birthday-honours-lists-2020 | title=Birthday Honours Lists 2020 | publisher=Government of the United Kingdom | date=9 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/925151/birthday-honours-2020-diplomatic-overseas-knight-bachelor-order-british-empire.pdf | title=Birthday 2020 Diplomatic Service and Overseas List | publisher=Government of the United Kingdom | date=9 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
** [[Donald Runnicles]] is made a [[Knight Bachelor]].
** [[John Mark Ainsley]], [[Sally Beamish]], [[Nicholas Daniel]], Cathyrn Graham and [[Jan Latham-Koenig]] are each made an [[Officer of the Order of the British Empire]].
** [[Stephen Layton]] and [[Jennifer Pike]] are each made a [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]].
* [[12 October]] – The [[Utah Symphony]] announces a revision to the previously scheduled conclusion of the contract of [[Thierry Fischer]] as its music director, with a new one-year extension through August 2023, to supersede an earlier May 2019 announcement.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://usuo.org/news/press-releases/utah-symphony-and-music-director-thierry-fischer-extend-partnership-through-2022-23-season/ | title=Utah Symphony and Music Director Thierry Fischer Extend Partnership Through 2022-23 Season | publisher=Utah Symphony | date=12 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[13 October]] – The New York Philharmonic announces the cancellation of its 2020–2021 season concerts through June 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/arts/music/new-york-philharmonic-virus.html | title=New York Philharmonic Cancels the Rest of Its Season | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2020-10-16 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref> the first-ever cancellation of a full season in the orchestra's history.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2020/10/philharmonic-cancels-rest-of-season-due-to-covid/ | title=Philharmonic cancels rest of 2020-21 season due to Covid | work=New York Classical Review | author=Lawrence A. Johnson | date=2020-10-17 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[16 October]] 
** The Orchestre de Picardie announces the appointment of Johanna Malangré as its next music director, the first female conductor ever named to the post, effective with the 2022–2023 season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/musique-classique/johanna-malangre-nommee-a-la-direction-musicale-de-l-orchestre-national-de-picardie-88586 | title=Johanna Malangré nommée à la direction musicale de l'Orchestre national de Picardie | work=France Musique | author=Charlotte Landru-Chandès | date=2020-10-16 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
** The Boston Symphony Orchestra announces the cancellation of the remainder of its 2020–2021 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://a5974837ba.site.internapcdn.net/images/press-releases/bso/20-21/20201016.pdf | title=Hiatus from Live Performances with Audiences due to COVID-19 Continues with Cancellation of the BSO 2020-21 Winter/Spring Season and Holiday Pops 2020 Series at Symphony Hall | publisher=Boston Symphony Orchestra | date=16 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[20 October]]
** The San Francisco Conservatory of Music announces its acquisition of the Opus 3 Artists agency.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.sfcv.org/music-news/unprecedented-alliance-between-sf-conservatory-and-opus-3-artists-raises-hopes-prompts | title= "Unprecedented" Alliance Between SF Conservatory and Opus 3 Artists Raises Hopes, Prompts Questions | work=San Francisco Classical Voice | author=Janos Gereben | date=2020-10-20 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
** The Los Angeles Philharmonic announces the cancellation of the remainder of its 2020–2021 season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://a5974837ba.site.internapcdn.net/images/press-releases/bso/20-21/20201016.pdf | title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates | publisher=Los Angeles Philharmonic | date=20 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[21 October]]
** [[NI Opera]] announces the appointment of Cameron Menzies as its next artistic director.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.niopera.com/2020/10/21/new-artistic-director/ | title=Northern Ireland Opera appoints new Artistic Director | publisher=NI Opera | date=21 October 2020 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
** Lyric Opera of Chicago announces the full cancellation of its planned 2020-2021 mainstage season, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lyricopera.org/lyric-opera/covid-19-updates/ | title=Lyric Opera of Chicago COVID-19 Updates | publisher=Lyric Opera of Chicago | date=21 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[22 October]] – The [[Berklee College of Music]] announces the appointment of [[Erica Muhl]] as its next president, the first woman named to the post, effective July 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.berklee.edu/news/berklee-announces-erica-muhl-new-president | title=Berklee Announces Erica Muhl as New President | publisher=Berklee | date=22 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[25 October]] – The Prime Minister of Italy, [[Giuseppe Conte]], announces the closure of all Italian theatres and concert halls through 24 November, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/final-blow-italy-business-owners-angry-new-covid-rules | title= 'It's the final blow': businesses angry at Italy's new Covid rules | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Angela Giuffrida, Lorenzo Tondo, and Peter Beaumont | date=2020-10-26 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[26 October]] – The city of Liège orders the closure of its four main arts venues, l'Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège, l'Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, le Forum, and le Théâtre de Liège through 19 November, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/liege-annonce-la-fermeture-de-ses-theatres-et-operas-89061 | title=Liège annonce la fermeture de ses théâtres et opéras | work=France Musique | author= Laurent Borde | date=2020-10-27 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[27 October]]
** The [[Taiwan Philharmonic]] announces the appointment of [[Jun Märkl]] as its next artistic advisor, effective August 2021.<ref>{{cite news | title=Taiwan Philharmonic Announces New Artistic Advisor, Jun Märkl | url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwclassical/article/Taiwan-Philharmonic-Announces-New-Artistic-Advisor-Jun-Mrkl-20201103 | work=Broadway World | date=2020-11-03 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
** The philharmonie zuidnederland announces the appointment of Duncan Ward as its chief conductor, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with an initial contract of 3 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.philharmoniezuidnederland.nl/nieuws/357/Duncan_Ward_new_chief_conductor/ | title=Duncan Ward new chief conductor | publisher= philharmonie zuidnederland | date=27 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[29 October]] – Carnegie Hall announces the cancellation of its scheduled events through 5 April 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Press/Press-Releases/2020/10/29/Carnegie-Hall-Events-Cancelled-Through-April-5-2021-10-29-2020 | title=Carnegie Hall Events Cancelled Through April 5, 2021 Due to Ongoing Effects of COVID-19 | publisher=Carnegie Hall | date=29 October 2020 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[30 October]] – Chamber Music America announces that Margaret M. Lioi is to stand down as its chief executive officer in July 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.chamber-music.org/about/press-room/article/10-30-2020/margaret-m-lioi-retire-ceo-cma-2021 | title=Margaret M. Lioi to Retire as CEO of CMA in 2021 | publisher= Chamber Music America | date=30 October 2020 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
* [[4 November]]
** The Southbank Centre announces the appointment of Toks Dada as its new head of classical music, effective December 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/press/news/toks-dada-to-join-southbank-centre-as-head-of-classical-music | title=Toks Dada to join Southbank Centre as Head of Classical Music | publisher=Southbank Centre | date=4 November 2020 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
** The WDR Funkhausorchester Köln announces the appointment of Frank Strobel as its next chief conductor, effective autumn 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www1.wdr.de/orchester-und-chor/funkhausorchester/orchester/chefdirigent/frank-strobel-102.html | title=Frank Strobel - Neuer Chefdirigent WDR Funkhausorchester ab 2021/22 | publisher=WDR | date=4 November 2020 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
** The Teatro alla Scala announces that its planned traditional 7 December opening night performance, of ''[[Lucia di Lammermoor]]'' under social distancing conditions, is cancelled to a public in-person audience in the wake of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Italy.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.corriere.it/spettacoli/20_novembre_04/teatro-scala-salta-prima-7-dicembre-piano-b-studio-dcb1fd3a-1eba-11eb-9970-42ca5768e0fd.shtml | title=Teatro alla Scala: "salta" la prima del 7 dicembre, "piano B" allo studio | work=Corriere della Sera | date=2020-11-04 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
* [[5 November]] – The [[Vienna Philharmonic]] Orchestra performs a live concert at Kitakyusyu Soleil Hall in Kitakyushu, Japan, the first orchestra to tour internationally since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/en/magazin/wiener-philharmoniker-in-japan-2020/6155 | title=Wiener Philharmoniker in Japan 2020 | publisher=Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | date=4 November 2020 | access-date=2021-01-22}}</ref>
* [[9 November]]
** The [[Brooklyn Academy of Music]] announces that its president, Katy Clark, is to stand down from the post in January 2021.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/arts/music/bam-president-leaving.html | title=Brooklyn Academy of Music President to Leave Next Year | work=The New York Times | author=Sarah Bahr | date=2020-11-10 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
** The San Francisco Symphony announces the cancellation of all of its 2020-2021 scheduled season concerts through 30 June 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.sfsymphony.org/About-SFS/Press-Room/Press-Releases/SFS-2021-Spring-Season-Cancellation | title=San Francisco Symphony Announces Cancellation of All Previously Planned Live Concerts Through June 30, 2021 | date=17 November 2020 | access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>
* [[17 November]] - The [[Baltimore Symphony Orchestra]] announces the appointment of [[James Conlon]] as its artistic advisor, effective with the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.bsomusic.org/misc/bso-updates/baltimore-symphony-orchestra-appoints-james-conlon-as-artistic-advisor/ | title=Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Appoints James Conlon as Artistic Advisor | publisher=Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | date=17 November 2020 | access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>
* [[18 November]] - The [[Academy of Ancient Music]] announces the appointment of [[Laurence Cummings]] as its next music director, effective with the 2021–2022 season.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.aam.co.uk/laurence-cummings/ | title=Introducing Laurence Cummings, AAM's next Music Director | publisher=Academy of Ancient Music | date=18 November 2020 | access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>
* [[20 November]] - [[Houston Grand Opera]] announces that Perryn Leech is to stand down as its managing director on 31 December 2020.<ref>{{cite press release | url= https://www.houstongrandopera.org/media/53rms4is/final-11-20-2020-press-release.pdf | title=ManagingDirectorPerrynLeechhasdecidedtoleaveHoustonGrandOperaafter14years | publisher= Houston Grand Opera | date=20 November 2020 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
* [[27 November]] – Christina Petrowska Quilico and Lara St. John are appointed, and Marietta Orlov is posthumously appointed, to the [[Order of Canada]].<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.gg.ca/en/activities/2020/governor-general-announces-114-new-appointments-order-canada | title=Governor General Announces 114 New Appointments to the Order of Canada | publisher=The Governor General of Canada | date=27 November 2020 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
* [[28 November]] - [[Estonian National Opera]] announces the appointment of Ott Maaten as its next general manager, effective 1 January 2021, with an initial contract of 3 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.opera.ee/en/arhiiv/90964/ | title=The new General Manager of the Estonian National Opera is Ott Maaten | publisher=Estonian National Opera | date=28 November 2020 | access-date=2020-12-04 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*[[30 November]]
** [[Royal Swedish Opera]] announces the appointment of Michael Cavanagh as its next artistic director, effective in the summer of 2021, with an initial contract of 5 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://via.tt.se/embedded/release/michael-cavanagh-ny-operachef-pa-kungliga-operan | title=Michael Cavanagh ny operachef på Kungliga Operan | publisher= Royal Swedish Opera | date=30 November 2020 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
** The [[Canadian Opera Company]] announces the appointment of Perryn Leech as its next general director, effective in the summer of 2021, with an initial contract of 5 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.coc.ca/COC-news1?EntryID=22377 | title=Canadian Opera Company Names Perryn Leech as Incoming General Director | publisher=Canadian Opera Company | date=30 November 2020 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
* [[1 December]] - The La Jolla Music Society announces the appointment of Todd Schultz as its next president and chief executive officer, effective 4 January 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://ljms.org/ljms-announces-todd-schultz-as-president-and-ceo/ | title=LJMS Announces Todd Schultz as President and CEO | publisher=La Jolla Music Society | date=1 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
* [[3 December]] - The Stiftung Händel-Haus announces [[Andrea Marcon]] as the recipient of the 2021 Händel-Preis der Stadt.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://haendelhaus.de/de/hfs-29` | title=Der Händel-Preisträger 2021: Andrea Marcon | publisher=Stiftung Händel-Haus | date=3 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-18 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* [[7 December]] – Early Music Vancouver announces the appointment of [[Suzie LeBlanc]] as its next artistic director and executive director, the first woman ever named to the posts, effective 4 January 2021.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.earlymusic.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/EMV-Suzie-LeBlanc-press-release.pdf | title=Lauded Canadian Soprano and Early Music Specialist Suzie LeBlanc Appointed EMV Artistic and Executive Director | publisher=Early Music Vancouver | date=7 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
* [[9 December]]
** The Vienna Volksoper announces the appointment of [[Omer Meir Wellber]] as its next music director, effective 1 September 2022, with an initial contract of 5 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.volksoper.at/volksoper_wien/information/news_neuigkeiten/Omer_Meir_Wellber_wird_ab_September_2022_neuer_Musikd.de.php | title=Omer Meir Wellber wird ab September 2022 neuer Musikdirektor der Volksoper Wien | publisher=Volksoper Wien | date=9 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
** The [[Philadelphia Orchestra]] announces the appointment of [[Nathalie Stutzmann]] as its next principal guest conductor, the first female conductor ever named to the post, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with a contract of 3 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://philorch.org/your-philorch/learn-more/press-room/yannick-nezet-seguin-and-the-philadelphia-orchestra-connect-with-audiences-worldwide-through-new-digital-stage-performances-january-june-2021/ | title=Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra Connect with Audiences Worldwide through New Digital Stage Performances January–June 2021 | publisher=Philadelphia Orchestra | date=8 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-18 | archive-date=10 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210122526/https://www.philorch.org/your-philorch/learn-more/press-room/yannick-nezet-seguin-and-the-philadelphia-orchestra-connect-with-audiences-worldwide-through-new-digital-stage-performances-january-june-2021/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[17 December]] – The Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid announces the appointment of [[Marzena Diakun]] as its next music, the first woman ever named to the post, effective with the 2021–2022 season, with an initial contract of 2 years.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.comunidad.madrid/noticias/2020/12/17/elegimos-marzena-diakun-nueva-directora-artistica-titular-orcam | title=Elegimos a Marzena Diakun como nueva directora artística y titular de la ORCAM | publisher=La Comunidad de Madrid | date=17 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* [[18 December]] – The Choir of Kings College, Cambridge announces the cancellation of its scheduled live performance of the 2020 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.  In its place on 24 December, a recording of the music made as an alternative event is to be relayed.<ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/arts/music/kings-choir-christmas-coronavirus.html | title=A Choir Tries to Keep Its Christmas Tradition Alive | work=The New York Times | author=Alex Marshall | date=2020-12-22 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* [[21 December]]
** The [[Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra]] announces the appointment of [[Jun Märkl]] as its next music director, effective with the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite news | title=The MPO Announces The Appointment Of Renowned Conductor Jun Märkl As The New Music Director | url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/malaysia/article/The-MPO-Announces-The-Appointment-Of-Renowned-Conductor-Jun-Mrkl-As-The-New-Music-Director-20201221 | work=Broadway World | date=2020-12-21 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
** The girl choristers of [[Ely Cathedral]] perform the 'Hymn for Christmas Day' by Jane Savage, the earliest known Church of England anthem by a female composer, following its re-discovery in the summer of 2020 by Rachel Webber of the [[University of York]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/15/earliest-known-c-of-e-hymn-by-female-composer-jane-savage-1785 | title=Earliest known Church of England hymn by female composer found | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Erica Jeal | date=2020-12-15 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
** [[Esa-Pekka Salonen]] is made an honorary KBE by Queen Elizabeth II, for services to music and to United Kingdom-Finland cultural relations.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://philharmonia.co.uk/esa-pekka-salonen-is-awarded-an-honorary-knighthood/ | title=Esa-Pekka Salonen is awarded an Honorary Knighthood | publisher=Philharmonia Orchestra | date=21 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-30}}</ref>
* [[23 December]] – [[SABAM]] announces Bram van Camp as the SABAM for Culture composer of the year, for his works ''Träume'' and ''Scherzo-Bagatelle''.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.sabam.be/en/node/1246 | title=Bram Van Camp: van Koningin Elisabethwedstrijd tot componist van het jaar | publisher=Sabam | date=23 December 2020 | access-date=2021-01-06}}</ref>
* [[30 December]]
** [[Daniel Taylor (countertenor)|Daniel Taylor]] is appointed to the Order of Canada.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.gg.ca/en/activities/2020/governor-general-announces-61-new-appointments-order-canada | title=Governor General Announces 61 New Appointments to the Order of Canada | publisher=The Governor General of Canada | date=30 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-30}}</ref>
** 2021 New Year's Honours:<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/948421/New_Year_Honours_List_2021.pdf | title=Awards for New Year Honours List 2021 | publisher=Government of the United Kingdom | date=30 December 2020 | access-date=2020-12-31}}</ref>
*** [[Jane Glover]] is made a [[Dame Commander of the British Empire]].
*** [[Graham Vick]] is made a [[Knight Bachelor]].
*** [[Julian Anderson]], [[Barry Douglas (musician)|Barry Douglas]], [[Daniel Harding]], and [[Wasfi Kani]] are each made a [[Commander of the Order of the British Empire]].
*** [[Natalie Clein]] and [[Wayne Marshall (classical musician)|Wayne Marshall]] are each made an [[Officer of the Order of the British Empire]].
*** Bradley Creswick is made a [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]].

==New works==
* Maya Miro Johnson – ''Manuscripts Don't Burn''<ref name="Bargemusic20200103">{{cite news | url=https://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2020/01/bargemusic-rocks-the-new-year-with-five-premieres-at-here-and-now/ | title=Bargemusic rocks the new year with five premieres at Here and Now | work=New York Classical Review | author=David Wright | date=2020-01-04 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
* [[Veronika Krausas]] – ''Master and Margarita'' (suite for speaking pianist) <ref name="Bargemusic20200103"/>
* [[Eric Moe (composer)|Eric Moe]] – ''Like Diamonds We Are Cut with Our Own Dust''<ref name="Bargemusic20200103"/>
* [[Kevin Puts]] – ''Aria'' (for cello and piano)<ref name="Bargemusic20200103"/>
* David Taylor – ''Houdini's Lament''<ref name="Bargemusic20200103"/>
* [[Martijn Padding]] – ''Softly Bouncing''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.concertgebouworkest.nl/nl/concert/jaap-van-zweden-dirigeert-1 |title=Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, 8 January 2020 programme |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-date=15 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515233304/https://www.concertgebouworkest.nl/nl/concert/jaap-van-zweden-dirigeert-1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Roberto Sierra]] – ''Salseando''<ref>[https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/classical-music/sound-the-trumpet/3408 Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, 9 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Michael Tilson Thomas]] 
** ''[[Rilke Songs]]''
** ''Whistle Tune''
* [[Bent Sørensen (composer)|Bent Sørensen]] – ''Enchantress'' (5 intermezzi for orchestra)<ref name="BBCSSO20200111">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/emz3v2 BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, 11 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* Emma-Ruth Richards – ''The Sail of a Flame''<ref name="BBCSSO20200111"/> 
* Márton Illés – ''Vont-tér'' (for violin and orchestra)<ref>[https://www1.wdr.de/orchester-und-chor/sinfonieorchester/konzerte/musik-der-zeit-398.html WDR Sinfonieorchester, 11 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Lisa Bielawa]] – ''Sanctuary'' for violin and orchestra<ref>[https://orlandophil.org/event/resonate/ Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, 15 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* Lisa Young – ''Sacred Stepping Stones''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/features/gondwana-premieres-a-new-choral-work-about-climate-change/ | title=Gondwana Premieres A New Choral Work About Climate Change | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Jo Litson | date=2020-01-10 | access-date=2020-01-12}}</ref>
* Clara Iannotta – ''You crawl over seas of granite''<ref>[https://ultraschallberlin.de/konzert/2020-01-16_jack-quartet/ Heimathafen Neukölln, JACK Quartet, 16 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[György Kurtág]] – ''...concertante...''<ref name="ASKO20200116">[https://www.muziekgebouw.nl/agenda/8362/Touch_the_Cloud_twee_wereldpremieres/Asko_Schonberg_Nederlands_Kamerkoor/ Muziekgebouw, Amsterdam, Asko|Schönberg / Nederlands Kamerkoor, 16 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* Valery Voronov – ''Acqua Alta''<ref name="ASKO20200116"/>
* [[Mark-Anthony Turnage]] – ''Towards Alba''<ref>[http://philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/2508 Philharmonia Orchestra, 16 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Julia Wolfe]] – ''Flower Power''<ref>[https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/693/2020-01-18/john-adams-julia-wolfe Los Angeles Philharmonic, 18-19 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* Marko Nikodijević – ''abgesang''<ref name="RSB20200119">[https://www.rsb-online.de/konzerte/19-1-20-ultraschall-berlin/ Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, 19 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Gordon Kampe]] – ''Masque''<ref name="RSB20200119"/>
* [[Fabien Lévy]] – ''De l'art d'induire en erreur''
* [[Wolfgang Rihm]] – ''Concerto en sol'' (for [[Sol Gabetta]])<ref>[https://www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch/de/konzerte/spielplan/concerto-für-sol.html Basel Chamber Orchestra, 23 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Dani Howard]] – ''Dualism''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/jennifer-pike-violin-202001271300 |title=Wigmore Hall, 27 January 2020 programme |access-date=12 January 2020 |archive-date=11 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811183827/https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/jennifer-pike-violin-202001271300 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Qasim Naqvi – ''Featureless''<ref name="NYCR20200129">{{cite news | url=https://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2020/01/bang-on-a-can-all-stars-ace-four-premieres-in-ecstatic-music-anniversary-concert/ | title=Bang on a Can All-Stars ace four premieres in Ecstatic Music anniversary concert | work=New York Classical Review | author=David Wright | date=2020-01-29 | access-date=2020-02-01}}</ref>
* Amanda Berlind – ''Bird Chart''<ref name="NYCR20200129"/>
* [[Hildur Guðnadóttir]] – ''Illimani''<ref name="NYCR20200129"/>
* Alvin Curran – ''Missteps''<ref name="NYCR20200129"/> 
* Dimitrios Skyllas – ''Kyrie eleison''<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ewmz3d BBC Symphony Orchestra, 29 January 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Thomas Hewitt Jones]]– ''Divertimento'' for String Quartet 
* Christoph Kalz – ''A Spectator's Guide to the Orchestra'' (Symphonic Caricature for large orchestra)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.elbphilharmonie.de/de/programm/elbphilharmonie-publikumsorchester/12909 |title=Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, 1 February 2020 programme |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-date=13 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913070407/https://www.elbphilharmonie.de/de/programm/elbphilharmonie-publikumsorchester/12909 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Nina C. Young]] – ''Tread softly''<ref>[https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/1920/project-19 New York Philharmonic, 5-11 February 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Anders Hillborg]] – ''Through Lost Landscapes''
* [[Joan La Barbara]] – ''Ears of an Eagle; Eyes of a Hawk: In the Vortex''<ref name="NYPhil20200210">[https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/1920/sound-on-feb-03 New York Philharmonic, 10 February 2020 programme]</ref>
* Paola Prestini – ''Thrush Song (on Rachel Carson before ''Silent Spring'') ''<ref name="NYPhil20200210"/>
* [[Tania León]] – ''Stride''<ref>[https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/1920/brahms-strauss-and-tania-leon New York Philharmonic, 13-18 February 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Unsuk Chin]] – ''Spira – A Concerto for Orchestra''<ref>[https://www.ndr.de/orchester_chor/elbphilharmonieorchester/konzerte/NDR-Elbphilharmonie-Orchester-mit-Stefan-Asbury,chin104.html NDR Elbphilharmonieorchester, 14 February 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Ellen Reid (composer)|Ellen Reid]] – ''When the World As You've Known It Doesn't Exist''<ref>[https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/1920/renee-fleming-sings-bjork New York Philharmonic, 20-22 February 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Deborah Cheetham]] – ''Dutala, star filled sky''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/beethoven-9-circa-and-cheetham-season-opening-gala-melbourne-symphony-orchestra/ | title=Beethoven 9, Circa and Cheetham: Season Opening Gala (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Ben Wilkie | date=2020-02-24 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
* [[Nicolas Bacri]] – ''Ophelia's Tears''
* Michaela Catranis – ''Tyranny of noise: rapture of a sonic_colourbody for ensemble, electronics and AI agent''<ref name="EnsembleModern20200301">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ensemble-modern.com/de/kalender/2020-03-01/3896 |title=Ensemble Modern, 1 March 2020 programme |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-date=13 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913063833/https://www.ensemble-modern.com/de/kalender/2020-03-01/3896 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Lawrence Dunn – ''We are all okay''<ref name="EnsembleModern20200301"/>
* Yu Kuwabara – ''Time Abyss''<ref name="EnsembleModern20200301"/>
* Alex Paxton – ''ILolli-pop''<ref name="EnsembleModern20200301"/>
* Igor Santos – ''portrait IO''<ref name="EnsembleModern20200301"/>
* Tanner Porter – ''The Sycamore''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2020/03/ny-youth-symphony-cellist-elliott-show-their-spirited-mettle-at-carnegie-hall/ | title=NY Youth Symphony, cellist Elliott show their spirited mettle at Carnegie Hall | work=New York Classical Review | author=George Grella | date=2020-03-02 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
* Sophie Westbrooke – ''Quiet Stream''
* Robert Paterson – String Quartet No. 3<ref>{{cite news | url=https://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2020/03/paterson-premiere-schumann-shine-in-indianapolis-quartets-carnegie-debut/ | title=Paterson premiere, Schumann shine in Indianapolis Quartet's Carnegie debut | work=New York Classical Review | author=David Wright | date=2020-03-07 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
* Bernhard Gander – ''OOZING EARTH''<ref name="EnsembleModern20200306">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ensemble-modern.com/de/kalender/2020-03-06/3859 |title=Ensemble Modern, 6 March 2020 programme |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-date=13 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913062111/https://www.ensemble-modern.com/de/kalender/2020-03-06/3859 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Helge Sten – ''UTOPIAS''<ref name="EnsembleModern20200306"/>
* Patrick van Deurzen (music) and Jules Terlingen (text) – ''Sura Cantate''<ref>[http://donemus.nl/patrick-van-deurzen-sura-cantate/ 'Patrick van Deurzen – Sura Cantate'. Donemus, 5 February 2020]</ref>
* Ella Macens – ''Superimposition''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/features/ella-macens-perfect-dissonance/ | title=Ella Macens: Perfect Dissonance | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Ella Macens | date=2020-03-03 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
* Cyrus Meurant – ''When I stand before thee at the day's end''<ref>[https://cso.org.au/event/love-kindness-decency/ Canberra Symphony Orchestra, 12 March 2020 programme]</ref>
* Elmer Schönberger – ''Gezien Hercules Segers''<ref>[http://donemus.nl/elmer-schonberger-gezien-hercules-segers/ ''Elmer Schönberger – Gezien Hercules Segers'', Donemus web page, 29 February 2020]</ref>
* Courtney Bryan – ''Syzygy''
* Iman Habibi – ''Jeder Baum spricht'' <ref>[https://www.imanhabibi.com/jeder-baum-spricht/ ''Iman Habibi – Jeder Baum spricht'', Iman Habibi Jeder Baum spricht, 20 April 2020]</ref>
* [[Valerie Coleman]] – ''Seven O'Clock Shout''
* [[Aaron Jay Kernis]] – ''[[Elegy (Kernis)|Elegy — for those we lost]]''<ref>{{cite web |last=Kernis |first=Aaron Jay |authorlink=Aaron Jay Kernis |year=2020 |title=Elegy (to those we lost) (for piano) |publisher=[[G. Schirmer Inc.]] |url=https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/work/61095/Elegy-to-those-we-lost-for-piano--Aaron-Jay-Kernis/ |accessdate=August 12, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Howard Goodall]] – ''Never to Forget''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/30/howard-goodall-writes-choral-tribute-to-health-workers-who-died-of-coronavirus | title=Howard Goodall writes choral tribute to health workers who died of coronavirus | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Tim Jonze | date=2020-06-30 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
* [[Juliana Hall]] (music) and Caitlin Vincent (text) – ''Ahab''<ref>[https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Zachary-James-Debuts-Visual-Album-CALL-OUT-20201223 Broadway World, 23 December 2020 article: album release]</ref><ref>[https://operawire.com/off-the-beaten-track-zachary-james-call-out-a-wild-trip-with-a-literary-bent/ Opera Wire, 23 January 2021 album review]</ref>
* Johannes Boris Borowski – ''Sphinxes''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal">{{cite web | title=A Festival of New Music | website=Pierre Boulez Saal | url=https://boulezsaal.de/festival-of-new-music-all-programs | access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref>
* [[Olga Neuwirth]] – ''coronAtion II: Naufraghi del mondo che hanno ancora un cuore. cinque isole della fatica''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* [[Luca Francesconi]] – ''Lichtschatten''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* Irini Amargianaki – ''Eumeniden''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* Benjamin Attahir – ''Bayn Athnyn''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* Michael Jarrell – ''Le point est la source de tout...''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* [[Matthias Pintscher]] – ''beyond II (bridge over troubled water)''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* [[Philippe Manoury]] – ''Soubresauts''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* Christian Rivet – ''Terre d'Ombres''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* Jörg Widmann – ''empty space''<ref name="Pierre Boulez Saal" />
* [[Hannah Kendall]] - ''Tuxedo: Vasco 'de' Gama''<ref name="Evans20200830"/>
* [[Thomas Adès]] - ''Dawn''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/31/proms-2020-lso-rattle-review-mitsuko-uchida-albert-hall | title=Proms 2020: LSO/Rattle review – empty Albert Hall allows room to play | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew Clements | date=2020-08-31 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* Mark-Anthony Turnage – ''Last Song for Olly''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/10/lso-rattle-review-turnage-knussen-britten-evening-to-savour | title=LSO/Rattle review – Turnage, Knussen and Britten make an evening to be savoured | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew Clements | date=2020-09-10 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* {{ill|Andrea Tarrodi|sv}} - ''Solus''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/13/last-night-of-the-proms-review-party-falls-flat | title=Last Night of the Proms review – party falls flat as BBC miss chance to speak up | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Flora Willson | date=2020-09-13 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[Gordon Kerry]] – Clarinet Quintet<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/omega-ensemble-gordon-kerry-clarinet-quintet-review/ | title=Gordon Kerry's Clarinet Quintet (Omega Ensemble, Sydney Opera House Digital) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Ben Wilkie | date=2020-09-15 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* Carlos Simon – ''Fate Now Conquers''
* [[Davóne Tines]] – ''VIGIL''
* [[Adolphus Hailstork]] – ''St. Paul's Blues'' (for solo flute)
* Ambrose Akinmusire – ''the river has its destination''
* [[Roxanna Panufnik]] – ''Heartfelt''<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://ikonarts-editionpeters.com/news/2020/07/sacconi-quartet-premiere-new-roxanna-panufnik-quartet/ | title=Sacconi Quartet premiere new Roxanna Panufnik quartet | publisher=Ikon Arts Management | date=17 July 2020 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* Geoffrey Gordon - ''He saith among the trumpets''
* [[Anne Cawrse]] – ''A Room of Her Own''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/beethoven-sollima-cawrse-australian-string-quartet/ | title=Beethoven Sollima Cawrse (Australian String Quartet) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Chris Reid | date=2020-10-19 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[Lori Laitman]] – ''The Imaginary Photo Album'' (texts by AE Stalliings, Eugene Field, and Joyce Sutphen)
* Anthony Fiumara – ''See the Sky About to Rain''
* [[Nico Muhly]] - ''Throughline''
* Daniel Bernard Roumain - ''i am a white person who _____ Black people''<ref name=SmithNYT>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/04/arts/music/xian-zhang-new-jersey-symphony.html | title=A Conductor Becomes a Virtual-Concert Jet-Setter | work=The New York Times | author=Steve Smith | date=2020-11-04 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[Tyshawn Sorey]]
** ''For Marcos Balter''<ref name=SmithNYT/>
** ''For Roscoe Mitchell''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/arts/music/tyshawn-sorey-music.html | title=Tyshawn Sorey: The Busiest Composer of the Bleakest Year | work=The New York Times | author=Zachary Woolfe | author-link=Zachary Woolfe | date=2021-01-01 | access-date=2021-01-03}}</ref>
* [[John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones]] – ''The Tudor Pull''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/06/fretwork-review-john-paul-jones-premiere-london-international-festival-of-early-music | title=Fretwork review – John Paul Jones opens LIFEM with idiosyncratic and effective new work | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Erica Jeal | date=2020-11-06 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* Julia Plaut – ''24 Pianos''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/international_piano/composer-julia-plaut-introduces-her-new-score-for-24-steinway-pianos/ | title=Composer Julia Plaut introduces her new score for 24 Steinway pianos | work=International Piano | author=Owen Mortimer | date=2020-11-13 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[Ryan Wigglesworth]] – ''Five Waltzes''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/14/lawrence-power-ryan-wigglesworth-wigmore-hall-review | title=Lawrence Power and Ryan Wigglesworth review – effortless brilliance | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Fiona Maddocks|authorlink=Fiona Maddocks  | date=2020-11-14 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
* [[Liza Lim]] – ''Sex Magic''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/claire-chase-density-2036-part-vii-sex-magic-the-kitchen-onscreen/ | title= Claire Chase: Density 2036: part vii, Sex Magic (The Kitchen Onscreen) | work=Limelight Magazine | author= Susan Frykberg | date=2020-12-21 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>

''NOTE: the following new works had been scheduled for premieres prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.''
* [[York Höller]] – ''Beethoven Paraphrase''<ref>[https://www1.wdr.de/radio/wdr3/veranstaltungen/musik-der-zeit-354.html Musik der Zeit &#91;4&#93; Veränderungen über Veränderungen, 29 March 2020 programme]</ref>
* Enrico Chapela – Violin Concerto<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e2rn5v BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, 2 April 2020 programme]</ref>
* Josep Planells Schiaffino – ''Con sperzzatura''<ref name="Wittener20200426">[https://www1.wdr.de/radio/wdr3/veranstaltungen/veranstaltung-166.html Wittener Tage für neue Kammermusik 2020, 26 April 2020 programme]</ref>
* Marco Stroppa – ''And One By One We Drop Away''<ref name="Wittener20200426"/>
* Sarah Nemtsov – ''Rezubs''<ref>[https://www1.wdr.de/radio/wdr3/veranstaltungen/musik-der-zeit-274.html Musik der Zeit &#91;6&#93; Filz, 28 May 2020 programme]</ref>
* Tom Coult – ''Pleasure Garden''<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/epd2rz BBC Philharmonic, 4 June 2020 programme]</ref>
* [[Sarah Kirkland Snider]] – ''[[Forward Into Light]]''<ref>[https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/1920/yuja-wang-performs-shostakovich New York Philharmonic, 11-13 June 2020 programme]</ref>

==New operas==
* [[Matthew Aucoin]] and [[Sarah Ruhl]] – ''Eurydice''
* Tom Coult and [[Alice Birch]] – ''Violet''
* Johanna Doderer and Peter Turrini – ''Schuberts Reisen nach Atzenbrugg''
* Søren Nils Eichberg and John von Düffel – ''Wolf unter Wölfen''
* [[Willem Jeths]] and Frank Siera – ''Ritratto''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190509162224/https://operaballet.nl/nl/opera/2019-2020/voorstelling/ritratto De Nationale Opera page on ''Ritratto'']</ref>
* Josephine Macken – ''The Tent''<ref name="SydneyChamberOpera2020">{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/breaking-glass-sydney-chamber-opera/ | title=Breaking Glass (Sydney Chamber Opera) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Clive Paget | date=2020-04-25 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* Rachel J. Peters and [[Royce Vavrek]] – ''The Wild Beast of the Bungalow''<ref>[https://coolcleveland.com/2020/01/new-opera-the-wild-beast-of-the-bungalow-debuts-at-oberlin/ 'New Opera ''The Wild Beast of the Bungalow'' Debuts at Oberlin', Cool Cleveland website]</ref>
* [[Tobias Picker]] and Aryeh Lev Stollman – ''Awakenings'' (originally scheduled prior to the COVID-19 pandemic)
* Peggy Polias – ''Commute''<ref name="SydneyChamberOpera2020"/>
* [[Huang Ruo]] and [[David Henry Hwang]] – ''M. Butterfly''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/141e31539c6e4b55912cd6f248d64adb|title=The Latest: Gender-bending opera 'M. Butterfly' set for 2020|date=May 8, 2019|website=AP|access-date=13 February 2020}}</ref> (originally scheduled prior to the COVID-19 pandemic)
* [[Georgia Scott]] and Pierce Wilcox – ''Her Dark Marauder''<ref name="SydneyChamberOpera2020"/>
* [[Bree van Reyk]] – ''The Invisible Bird''<ref name="SydneyChamberOpera2020"/>
* [[Luna Pearl Woolf]] and [[Royce Vavrek]] – ''Jacqueline''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ludwig-van.com/toronto/2020/02/20/scrutiny-emotional-power-bravura-performance-tapestry-operas-jacqueline/ | title=Emotional Power And Bravura Performance In Tapestry Opera's ''Jacqueline'' | work=Ludwig Van (Toronto) | author=Joseph So | date=2020-02-20 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
* Jan-Peter de Graaff – ''Bonsai Garden''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://donemus.nl/bonsai-garden-by-de-graaff/ | title=Bonsai Garden by De Graaff | work=Donemus | date=2020-07-01 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* Alex Woolf and [[David Pountney]] – ''[[A Feast in the Time of Plague (Woolf opera)|A Feast in the Time of Plague]]''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/features/a-feast-in-the-time-of-plague-an-opera-for-our-times/ | title=A Feast in the Time of Plague: an opera for our times | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Jansson J. Antmann | date=2020-09-11 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* Steven Mark Kohn – ''The Trial of Susan B. Anthony''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2020/10/cleveland-composer-beats-pandemic-odds-with-timely-opera-on-susan-b-anthony.html | title=Cleveland composer beats pandemic odds with timely opera on Susan B. Anthony | work=Cleveland Plain Dealer | author=Zachary Lewis | date=2020-10-20 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>

==Albums==
* Vaughan Williams – ''Saraband – "Helen"'' (first recording) / ''A Pastoral Symphony'' / Symphony No 4 (Hyperion)
* [[Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco]] – ''The Importance of Being Earnest'' (Odyssey Opera; first recording)
* [[Hans Abrahamsen]] – ''Left, Alone'' / Gérard Pesson – ''Future Is a Faded Song'' / Oscar Strasnoy – ''Kuleshov'' (Alexandre Tharaud, pianist)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/16/concertos-by-pesson-abrahamsen-strasnoy-review-alexandre-tharaud | title=Concertos by Pesson, Abrahamsen & Strasnoy review – Tharaud brings fleet brilliance | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew Clements | date=2020-01-16 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
* [[Rhian Samuel]] – ''Clytemnestra'' (first recording) / Mahler – ''Rückert-Lieder'' / Berg – ''Altenberg Lieder'' (BIS; Ruby Hughes / BBC NOW / Jac van Steen)<ref name="Maddocks">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/19/rhian-samuel-clytemnestra-ruby-hughes-review-chineke-spark-catchers-beethoven-1808-cardiff | title=Home Listening: Rhian Samuel, Chineke! Orchestra and Beethoven Unleashed | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Fiona Maddocks|authorlink=Fiona Maddocks | date=2020-01-19 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
* ''Spark Catchers'' – Errollyn Wallen – ''Concerto Grosso'' / James Wilson – ''The Green Fuse'' / Hannah Kendall – ''The Spark Catchers'' / [[Daniel Kidane]] – ''Dream Song'' / Philip Herbert – ''Elegy'' / Julian Joseph – ''Carry That Sound'' (NMC; Chineke! Orchestra and Chorus)<ref name="Maddocks"/>
* Rhian Samuel and Clara Schumann – ''Song Lied Cân''<ref name="Maddocks"/>
* Gounod – ''Faust'' (1858-1859 version)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/gounod-faust-version-1859-les-talens-lyriques-flemish-radio-choir-rousset/ | title=Gounod: Faust (Version 1859) (Les Talens Lyriques, Flemish Radio Choir/Rousset) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Clive Paget | date=2020-02-06 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* Nico Muhly / Philip Glass – ''Unexpected News'' (Brett Brown; Alexandra Osborne; Sally Whitwell; Omega Ensemble)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/muhly-•-glass-unexpected-news-omega-ensemble-hamilton/ | title=Muhly • Glass: Unexpected News (Omega Ensemble/Hamilton) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Steve Moffatt | date=2020-02-19 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
* [[Thomas Adès]] – Piano Concerto / ''Totentanz''
* Liza Lim – ''Extinction Events and Dawn Chorus''
* [[Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach]] – ''Kenner und Liebhaber'' (Peter Serkin, piano; his final recording<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/arts/music/peter-serkin-bach.html | title=A Pianist's Final Message: Overlooked Works by a Son of Bach | work=The New York Times | author=Anthony Tommasini | date=2020-03-26 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>)
* ''The Night With...'' Live Vol. One - ''Cinq Petites Entropies'' / [[Garth Knox]] - ''ReVerse 2'' / Adam Porębski - ''Flow My Tears'' / [[John Dowland]] - .''..shadows that in darkness dwell...'' / Timothy Cooper - ''to sleep on it'' / Ruari Paterson-Achenbach - ''Medieval Fantasy'' / Garth Knox - ''Oscillate'' / [[Linda Buckley]] - ''Solo for Viola d'amore and Electronics'' / [[Matthew Whiteside]] - ''Daily Rituals'' / Matthew Grouse - ''I Said'' / Nora Marazaite - ''In Nomine'' / [[William Byrd]] - ''In C'' / [[Terry Riley]] (TNW Music / Garth Knox / Hermes Experiment / Ensemble 1604 / Duo van Vliet)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/18358732.album-review-marian-consort-singing-secret-delphian/|title=Album review: The Marian Consort, Singing in Secret (Delphian)|website=HeraldScotland|date=4 April 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref>
* Sir James MacMillan – Symphony No. 5 (''Le grand Inconnu'') / ''The Sun Danced'' (first recordings)
* ''British Violin Sonatas'', Volume 3 – William Alwyn: ''Sonatina '' / York Bowen: Sonata, op. 112 / James Francis Brown: ''The Hart's Grace'' (first recording) / Eric Coates: ''First Meeting'' / John Ireland: Sonata No. 2 (Tasmin Little, violin; Piers Lane, piano)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/may/16/british-violin-sonatas-vol-3-review-tasmin-little-piers-lane | title=British Violin Sonatas Vol 3 review – Tasmin Little bows out in style | work=The Observer | author=Fiona Maddocks|authorlink=Fiona Maddocks | date=2020-05-16 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* Philip Glass – ''Music in Eight Parts'' (first recording)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/arts/music/philip-glass-music-in-eight-parts.html | title=A Philip Glass Score Was Lost. 50 Years Later, Here It Is. | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-05-22 | access-date=2020-05-25}}</ref>
* [[Cyrillus Kreek]] – ''The Suspended Harp of Babel''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/may/23/cyrillus-kreek-the-suspended-harp-of-babel-review-vox-clamantis-jaan-eik-tulve-ecm | title=Cyrillus Kreek: The Suspended Harp of Babel review – music of another place and time | work=The Observer | author=Fiona Maddocks|authorlink=Fiona Maddocks | date=2020-05-23 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* Michael Daugherty – ''This Land Sings''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/04/michael-daugherty-this-land-sings-review-woody-guthrie | title=Daugherty: This Land Sings review – exuberant polyglot Woody Guthrie celebration | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew Clements | date=2020-06-04 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[William Alwyn]] – ''Miss Julie'' (second commercial recording; Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson, Rosie Aldridge, Samuel Sakker; [[BBC Symphony Orchestra]]; [[Sakari Oramo]])<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ft.com/content/25fcc5a1-ae7f-4cc9-8dec-45a977ef117c | title=BBC Symphony Orchestra's Alwyn: Miss Julie — sensationally gripping | work=Financial Times | author=Richard Fairman | date=2020-07-03 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* "Singing in the Dead of Night" – David Lang: ''these broken wings''; Michael Gordon: ''the light of the dark''; Julia Wolfe: ''dead of night''<ref name="Clements20200716">{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/16/eighth-blackbird-singing-in-the-dead-of-night-review | title=Eighth Blackbird: Singing in the Dead of Night review – irresistible, propulsive variations | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew Clements | date=2020-07-16 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* Naomi Pinnock – ''Lines and Spaces''<ref name="Clements20200716"/>
* Dame [[Ethyl Smyth]] (music) and H.B. Brewster (text) – ''The Prison'' (first commercial recording)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/06/ethel-smyth-the-prison-review-brailey-burton-experiential-orchestra | title=Ethel Smyth: The Prison review – symphony for a searching soul | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Erica Jeal | date=2020-08-07 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[Douglas Weiland]] – String Quartets Nos 4 and 5 (first recordings) <ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/douglas-weiland-string-quartets-nos-4-5-the-melbourne-quartet/ | title=Douglas Weiland: String Quartets Nos 4 & 5 (The Melbourne Quartet) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Phillip Scott | date=2020-09-14 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* Ethyl Smyth - ''Fête Galante'' / Liza Lehmann – ''The Happy Prince''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/ethel-smyth-fete-galante-retrospect-opera/ | title=Ethel Smyth: Fête Galante (Retrospect Opera) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Clive Paget | date=2020-09-18 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* Alexander Kastalsky – ''Requiem for Fallen Soldiers'' (first recording)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/alexander-kastalsky-requiem/ | title=Alexander Kastalsky: Requiem | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Clive Paget | date=2020-10-09 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* Cat Hope / Erkki Veltheim – ''Works for Travelled Pianos'' (Gabriella Smart, piano) <ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/cat-hope-erkki-veltheim-works-for-travelled-pianos-gabriella-smart/ | title=Cat Hope & Erkki Veltheim: Works for Travelled Pianos (Gabriella Smart) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Lisa MacKinney | date=2020-11-06 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
* [[Osvaldo Golijov]] – ''Falling Out of Time'' (texts by David Grossman)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/05/arts/music/osvaldo-golijov-music.html | title=After a Decade of Silence, a Composer Reappears | work=The New York Times | author=Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim | date=2020-11-05 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* ''[[Mariss Jansons]] - His Last Concert: Live at Carnegie Hall'' (Richard Strauss, Brahms)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.br-klassik.de/aktuell/news-kritik/mariss-jansons-anton-barachovsky-letztes-konzert-his-last-concert-erscheint-auf-cd-100.html | title=Mariss Jansons — CD "His Last Concert": Sein letztes Konzert | work=Br-Klassik | author=Denise Maurer | date=2020-11-05 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref> 
* ''Vanitas'': Wolfgang Rihm - ''Vermischter Traum'' (first recording) / Beethoven - ''An die ferne Geliebte'' / Schubert – selected lieder (Georg Nigl, Olga Pashchenko)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/05/vanitas-lieder-by-schubert-beethoven-and-rihm-review | title=Vanitas: Lieder by Schubert, Beethoven and Rihm review – songs in the key of life | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew Clements | date=2020-11-05 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[John Tavener]] – ''No Longer Mourn for Me''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/07/john-tavener-no-longer-mourn-for-me-steven-isserlis-philharmonia-wellber-review-josquin-masses-missa-dux-tallis-scholars-phillips | title=Classical home listening: John Tavener: No Longer Mourn for Me; Josquin Masses and more | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Fiona Maddocks|authorlink=Fiona Maddocks | date=2020-11-07 | access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>
* ''Mobili - Music for Viola and Piano from Chile'' (compositions by Rafael Díaz, Carlos Botto, Federico Heinlein, David Cortés, and Juan Orrego-Salas; first recordings)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wqxr.org/story/mobili-music-viola-and-piano-chile/ | title=Mobili: Music for Viola and Piano from Chile | work=WQXR | author=Camille Mojica | date=2020-11-13 | access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>
* [[Tālivaldis Ķeniņš]] – Symphony No. 1 / Concerto di Camera / Concerto for Piano with String Orchestra and Percussion<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/kenins-symphony-no-1-two-concertos-latvian-national-symphony-orchestra/ | title= Ķeniņš: Symphony No 1 & Two Concertos (Latvian National Symphony Orchestra) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Clive Paget | date=2020-12-14 | accessdate=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* ''Cor de Groot – Piano'' (piano works by [[Cor de Groot]], Jan Felderhof, Jaap Geraedts, [[Ton de Leeuw]], [[Jurriaan Andriessen (composer)|Jurriaan Andriessen]], Léon Orthel)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://donemus.nl/cor-de-groot-piano-released-by-donemus-records/ | title=Released by Donemus Records: Cor de Groot – Piano | work=Donemus | author= | date=2020-12-12 | accessdate=2021-01-06}}</ref>
* Rick van Veldhuizen:  ''unde imber et ignes''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://donemus.nl/rick-van-veldhuizen-recording-of-unde-imber-et-ignes-released/ | title=Rick van Veldhuizen: recording of ''unde imber et ignes'' released | work=Donemus | author= | date=2020-12-18 | accessdate=2021-01-06}}</ref>
* Tõnu Kõrvits – ''You Are Light and Morning'' (texts by [[Cesare Pavese]])<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/tonu-korvits-you-are-light-and-morning/ | title=Tõnu Kõrvits: You Are Light and Morning | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Tony Way | date=2020-12-24 | accessdate=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* [[Hans Werner Henze]] – ''[[Der Prinz von Homburg (opera)|Der Prinz von Homburg]]'' (first commercial recording)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/hans-werner-henze-der-prinz-von-homburg/ | title=Hans Werner Henze: Der Prinz von Homburg | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Clive Paget | date=2020-12-29 | accessdate=2020-12-31}}</ref>
* [[Franz Lehár]] – ''Cloclo'' (first complete recording)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/lehar-cloclo-sieglinde-feldhofer/ | title=Lehár: Cloclo (Sieglinde Feldhofer) | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Brett Allen-Bayes | date=2020-12-30 | accessdate=2020-12-31}}</ref>
* Mieczyslaw Weinberg – ''Wir gratulieren!'' (first recording)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://klassik-begeistert.de/cd-besprechung-mieczyslaw-weinberg-wir-gratulieren-klassik-begeistert-de/ | title="Wir gratulieren!" CD-Besprechung: Mieczyslaw Weinberg | work=Klassik begeistert | author=Peter Sommeregger | date=2020-09-15 | accessdate=2021-01-18}}</ref>

==Deaths==
* [[1 January]]
** [[Joan Benson]], American clavichordist, 94<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/joan-benson-obituary?pid=194967773|title=Joan Benson Obituary – Eugene, Oregon|publisher=[[Legacy.com]]|work=[[The Register-Guard]]|date=8 January 2020 |access-date=13 January 2020}}</ref>
** [[Jaap Schröder]], Dutch violinist, conductor, pedagogue, and specialist in the historically informed performance movement, 94<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nporadio4.nl/podium/nieuws/4309-violist-dirigent-jaap-schroeder-overleden | title=Violist, dirigent en pedagoog Jaap Schröder (94) overleden | work=Radio 4 Netherlands | date=2020-01-02 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
* [[4 January]] – [[Emanuel Borok]], Russia-born, United States-resident orchestral violinist, pedagogue, and past concertmaster (leader) of the [[Dallas Symphony Orchestra]], 75<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/performing-arts/2020/01/06/emanuel-borok-longtime-dallas-symphony-concertmaster-has-died-after-battling-lung-cancer/ | title=Emanuel Borok, longtime Dallas Symphony concertmaster, has died after battling lung cancer | work=The Dallas Morning News | author=Scott Cantrell | date=2020-01-06 | access-date=2020-01-08}}</ref>
* [[7 January]] – [[Ana Lucrecia Taglioretti]], Paraguayan violinist, 24<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lanacion.com.py/pais/2020/01/09/hallan-cadaver-de-ana-taglioretti-la-violinista-no-vidente/|title=Hallan cadáver de Ana Taglioretti, la violinista no vidente|date=9 January 2020|access-date=13 January 2020|agency=La Nación}}</ref>
* [[12 January]] – Giorgio Merighi, Italian tenor, 80<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ilrestodelcarlino.it/ancona/cronaca/giorgio-merighi-morto-1.4977295 | title=Giorgio Merighi morto, Jesi piange il tenore | work=Il Resto del Carlino | date=2020-01-12 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
* [[14 January]]
** [[Guy Deplus]], French clarinetist, 95<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/disparition-du-clarinettiste-guy-deplus-80474 | title=Disparition du clarinettiste Guy Deplus | work=France Musique | author=Sofia Anastasio | date=2020-01-15 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
** [[Naděžda Kniplová]], Czech soprano, 87<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.tyden.cz/rubriky/domaci/zemrela-narodni-umelkyne-nadezda-kniplova_537955.html | title=Zemřela národní umělkyně Naděžda Kniplová | work=Tyden | author= | date=2020-01-14 | access-date=2021-01-03}}</ref>
* [[16 January]] – [[Barry Tuckwell]], Australia-born French horn player, conductor, and past principal French horn of the London Symphony Orchestra, 86<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/news/barry-tuckwell-has-died/ | title=Barry Tuckwell Has Died | work=Limelight Magazine | author=Justine Nguyen | date=2020-01-17 | access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>
* [[18 January]] – [[John Burke (composer)|John Burke]], Canadian composer, 68<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2020/02/06/canadian-composer-john-burke-known-for-his-labyrinth-events-is-dead-at-68.html | title=Canadian composer John Burke, known for his 'labyrinth events', is dead at 68 | work=Toronto Star | date=2020-02-06 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[21 January]] – Bernard Gabel, French orchestral trumpeter, 77<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/mort-de-bernard-gabel-ancienne-trompette-solo-de-l-orchestre-de-l-opera-de-paris-80743 | title=Mort de Bernard Gabel, ancienne trompette solo de l'Orchestre de l'Opéra de Paris | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-01-23 | access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>
* [[22 January]] – Valéry Ryvkin, Russia-born opera conductor, vocal coach, and pedagogue, 59<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cmu.edu/cfa/news-and-events/featured-news/2020/valery-ryvkin.html | title=Valéry Ryvkin, Vocal Coach and Conductor | work=Carnegie-Mellon University College of Fine Arts | author=Dan Fernandez | date=2020-02-04 | access-date=2021-01-03}}</ref>
* [[23 January]] – [[Franz Mazura]], Austrian bass-baritone, 95<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.br-klassik.de/aktuell/news-kritik/nachruf-opernsaenger-franz-mazura-100.html | title=Bassbariton Franz Mazura mit 95 verstorben – Vom Ingenieur zum Opernsänger | work=BR-Klassik | author=Maria Ossowski and Henrik Oerding | date=2020-01-24 | access-date=2020-02-01}}</ref>
* [[28 January]] – [[Othmar Mága]], German conductor and composer, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.swr.de/swr2/musik-klassik/Todesfall-Dirigent-Othmar-Maga-gestorben,othmar-maga-gestorben-100.html | title=Dirigent Othmar Mága gestorben | work=SWR 2 | date=2020-01-30 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[29 January]] – Dwight Shambley, American orchestral double bassist, 70<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/performing-arts/2020/01/29/farewell-dwight-shambley-longtime-dso-bassist/ | title=Farewell, Dwight Shambley, longtime DSO bassist | work=Dallas Morning News | author=Scott Cantrell | date=2020-01-29 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[30 January]] – [[Vidmantas Bartulis]], Lithuanian composer, 65<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/kultura/12/1138057/mire-iskilus-lietuviu-kompozitorius-vidmantas-bartulis|title=Mirė iškilus lietuvių kompozitorius Vidmantas Bartulis|website=LRT|language=lt|date=30 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref>
* [[1 February]] – [[Peter Serkin]], American pianist, 72<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/arts/music/peter-serkin-dead.html | title=Peter Serkin, 72, Dies; Pianist With Pedigree Who Forged a New Path | work=New York Times | author=Anthony Tommasini | date=2020-02-01 | access-date=2020-02-02}}</ref>
* [[3 February]] – Eric Parkin, British pianist, 95<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2020/10/27/eric-parkin-pianist-championed-music-british-composers-obituary/ | title=Eric Parkin, pianist who championed music by British composers – obituary | work=Telegraph | author=  | date=2020-10-27 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* [[4 February]] – [[Volker David Kirchner]], German violist and composer, 77<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.swr.de/swr2/musik-klassik/Todesfall-Komponist-Volker-David-Kirchner-gestorben,kirchner-gestorben-100.html | title=Mainzer Komponist Volker David Kirchner gestorben | work=SWR 2 | date=2020-02-04 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[5 February]] – [[Yves Pouliquen]], French ophthalmologist and past president of the Singer-Polignac Foundation, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-d-yves-pouliquen-academicien-et-president-de-la-fondation-singer-polignac-81226 | title=Décès d'Yves Pouliquen, académicien et président de la fondation Singer-Polignac | work=France Musique | author=Victor Tribot Laspière | date=2020-02-07 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* [[6 February]] – [[Nello Santi]], Italian opera conductor, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/2/News/Nello_Santi.html | title=Nello Santi, 88, Stalwart of Italian Repertoire at the Metropolitan Opera and Abroad, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-02-06 | access-date=2020-02-08}}</ref>
* [[9 February]]
** Vladimir Kranjčević, Croatian conductor, 84<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegram.hr/kultura/otisao-je-vladimir-kranjcevic-jedan-od-nasih-najvecih-dirigenata-kakav-je-on-zivot-imao/ | title=Otišao je Vladimir Kranjčević, jedan od naših najvećih dirigenata. Kakav je on život imao! | work=Telegram | date=2020-02-09 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
** [[Mirella Freni]], Italian soprano, 84<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/2/News/Mirella_Freni,_84,_Standard-Setting_Soprano_of_Sovereign_Charm,_Directness_and_Sincerity,_has_Died.html | title=Mirella Freni, 84, Standard-Setting Soprano of Sovereign Charm, Directness and Sincerity, has Died | work=Opera News | author=F. Paul Driscoll | date=2020-02-09 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
** [[Sergei Slonimsky]], Russian composer, 88
** [[Margareta Hallin]], Swedish soprano, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.svt.se/kultur/musik/operasangerskan-margareta-hallin-ar-dod | title=Operasångerskan Margareta Hallin är död | work=SVT Nyheher | date=2020-02-09 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* [[12 February]]
** [[Hamish Milne]], British pianist, 80<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/article/the-british-pianist-hamish-milne-has-died | title=The British pianist Hamish Milne has died | work=Gramophone | date=2020-02-17 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
** William Winstead, American orchestral bassoonist, pedagogue, and past principal bassoonist of the [[Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra]], 77<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2020/02/14/william-winstead-former-principal-bassoonist-of.html | title=William Winstead, former principal bassoonist of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, dies at 77 | work=Cincinnati Business Courier | author=Janelle Gelfand | date=2020-02-14 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
* [[13 February]] – [[Christophe Desjardins]], French violist, 57<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/mort-de-christophe-desjardins-altiste-engage-de-la-creation-musicale-81438 | title=Mort de Christophe Desjardins, altiste engagé de la création musicale | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-02-13 | access-date=2020-02-15}}</ref>
* [[14 February]] – [[Reinbert de Leeuw]], Dutch pianist, conductor, composer, and specialist in contemporary music, 81<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/article/composer-conductor-and-pianist-reinbert-de-leeuw-has-died | title=Composer, conductor and pianist Reinbert de Leeuw has died | work=Gramophone | date=2020-02-17 | access-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>
* [[16 February]] – Jaring Walta, Dutch orchestral violinist and past concertmaster (leader) of the Residentie Orkest, 78<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.residentieorkest.nl/oud-concertmeester-jaring-walta-overleden/ | title=Oud-concertmeester Jaring Walta overleden | publisher=Residentie Orkest | date=21 February 2020 | access-date=2020-05-03 | archive-date=13 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913055234/https://www.residentieorkest.nl/oud-concertmeester-jaring-walta-overleden/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[25 February]] – Irina Bochkova, Russian violinist and pedagogue, 81<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thestrad.com/news/the-violinist-irina-bochkova-has-died/10319.article | title=The violinist Irina Bochkova has died | work=The Strad | date=2020-02-28 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
* [[29 February]]
** [[Odile Pierre]], French organist, 89<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/disparition-de-l-organiste-odile-pierre-82101 | title=Disparition de l'organiste Odile Pierre | work=France Musique | author=Sofia Anastasio | date=2020-03-02 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
** [[Bill Smith (jazz musician)|William O. Smith]], American composer and jazz clarinetist (as Bill Smith), 93<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/arts/music/bill-smith-dead.html | title=Bill Smith, Master of Two Musical Worlds, Is Dead at 93 | work=The New York Times | author=Steve Smith | date=2020-03-21 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
* [[3 March]]
** Patricia Barretto, American arts administrator, 45<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ct-ent-patricia-barretto-harris-theater-dies-0305-20200304-ylxnqow22vebhodv4bd2iuvpfu-story.html | title=Patricia Barretto, the visionary leader of Chicago's Harris Theater, dies at 45 | work=Chicago Tribune | author=Chris Jones | date=2020-03-04 | access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
** [[Günther Müller]], German conductor, musicologist and pedagogue, 95<ref name="Bramich20200401">{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/04/obituaries.htm | title=March 2020 Obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | author=Keith Bramich | date=2020-04-01 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[6 March]] – [[Elinor Ross]], American soprano, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/3/News/Elinor_Ross,_Who_Possessed_a_Dramatic_Soprano_of_Uncommon_Warmth_and_Beauty,_has_Died.html | title=Elinor Ross, 93, Who Possessed a Dramatic Soprano of Uncommon Warmth and Beauty, has Died | work=Opera News | author=Brian Kellow | date=2020-03-07 | access-date=2020-03-14 | archive-date=13 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913063845/https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/3/News/Elinor_Ross,_Who_Possessed_a_Dramatic_Soprano_of_Uncommon_Warmth_and_Beauty,_has_Died.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[8 March]] – [[Martin Davorin-Jagodić]], Croatian composer of electronic music, 84<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.hds.hr/in-memoriam-martin-davorin-jagodica/ | title=In memoriam: Martin Davorin Jagodić | work=HDS | date=2020-03-11 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[9 March]] – [[Anton Coppola]], American conductor, composer, and founding artistic director of Tampa Opera, 102<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/09/arts/music/anton-coppola-dead.html | title=Anton Coppola, Opera Conductor in Filmmaking Clan, Dies at 102 | work=The New York Times | author=Daniel J. Wakin | date=2020-03-09 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* [[11 March]] – [[Charles Wuorinen]], American composer, 81<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/arts/music/charles-wuorinen-dead.html | title=Charles Wuorinen, Uncompromising Modernist Composer, Dies at 81 | work=The New York Times | author=William Robin | date=2020-03-13 | access-date=2020-03-14}}</ref>
* [[14 March]] – [[Doriot Anthony Dwyer]], American orchestral flautist and the first female principal flute of the [[Boston Symphony Orchestra]], 98<ref name="Anthony Tommasini"/>
* [[18 March]] 
** Jean Leber, French violinist, pedagogue and music administrator, 80 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/mort-du-violoniste-et-pedagogue-jean-leber-82476 | title=Mort du violoniste et pédagogue Jean Leber | work=France Musique | author=Léopold Tobisch | date=2020-03-21 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
** Sir [[John Tooley]], British arts administrator, 95<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.lpo.org.uk/news/john-tooley-1924-2020.html | title=John Tooley (1924–2020) | publisher=London Philharmonic Orchestra | date=17 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref>
* [[21 March]] – [[Hellmut Stern]], German orchestral violinist and past concertmaster (leader) of the [[Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra]], 91<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/news/detail/death-of-hellmut-stern/ | title=Death of Hellmut Stern | publisher=Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | date=22 March 2020 | access-date=2020-03-28 | archive-date=26 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026195040/https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/news/detail/death-of-hellmut-stern/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[22 March]] – Kenneth Wentworth, American classical music impresario and pedagogue, 92
* [[24 March]] 
** [[Edward Tarr]], American trumpeter and musicologist, 83<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/30/arts/music/edward-tarr-dead.html | title=Edward Tarr, Renowned Trumpeter Who Delved Into Past, Dies at 83 | work=The New York Times | author=Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim | date=2020-03-30 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
** [[Gerard Schurmann]], Dutch composer resident in the UK and the US, 96<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/article/the-composer-gerard-schurmann-has-died | title=The composer Gerard Schurmann has died | work=Gramophone | date=2020-03-26 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
** [[Terrence McNally]], American playwright and opera librettist, 81 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/3/News/Terrence_McNally.html | title=Terrence McNally, 81, Tony-Winning Playwright and Dead Man Walking Librettist, has Died from Coronavirus Complications | work=Opera News | author=F. Paul Driscoll | date=2020-03-24 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
** [[Anatoliy Mokrenko]], Ukrainian baritone and opera house administrator, 89<ref name="Bramich20200401"/>
* [[25 March]] – [[Jennifer Bate]], British organist, 75<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/article/the-organist-jennifer-bate-has-died | title=The organist Jennifer Bate has died | work=Gramophone | date=2020-03-26 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
* [[26 March]]
** André Larquié, French arts administrator, 81<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/disparition-d-andre-larquie-ancien-president-de-l-opera-de-paris-et-de-rfi-82661 | title=Disparition d'André Larquié, ancien président de l'Opéra de Paris et de RFI | work=France Musique | author=Sofia Anastasio | date=2020-03-27 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
** [[Luigi Roni]], Italian bass, 78 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/luigi-roni-celebre-basse-italienne-meurt-du-coronavirus-82662 | title=Luigi Roni, célèbre basse italienne, meurt du coronavirus | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-03-27 | access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>
* [[27 March]] – [[Mirna Doris]], Italian singer, 79<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ilmattino.it/spettacoli/musica/mirna_doris_morta_federico_vacalebre-5136292.html|title=Mirna Doris è morta, l'annuncio della clinica: la regina della canzone napoletana stroncata da un cancro|language=it|newspaper=Il Mattino|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref>
* [[28 March]]
** [[Kerstin Behrendtz]], Swedish radio presenter and music director, 69 (from [[COVID-19]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gp.se/1.26094733|title=Radiolegendaren Kerstin Behrendtz har avlidit i corona|first=Johan|last=Lindqvist|date=28 March 2020|website=gp.se|access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref>
** [[Hertha Töpper]], Austrian contralto, 95<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.br-klassik.de/aktuell/news-kritik/hertha-toepper-opern-saengerin-gestorben-nachruf-102.html | title=Zum Tod der Sängerin Hertha Töpper: Himmlische Opernmomente in München | work=BR-Klassik | author=Susanne Schmerda | date=2020-03-31 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
* [[29 March]] – [[Krzysztof Penderecki]], Polish composer and conductor, 86<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/29/arts/music/krzysztof-penderecki-dead.html | title=Krzysztof Penderecki, Polish Composer With Cinematic Flair, Dies at 86 | work=The New York Times | author=Daniel Lewis | date=2020-03-29 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
* [[30 March]] – Judy Drucker, American classical music impresario, 91<ref>{{cite news | url=https://southfloridaclassicalreview.com/2020/03/judy-drucker-a-miami-tribute/ | title=Judy Drucker: A Miami Tribute | work=South Florida Classical Review | author=Lawrence Budmen | date=2020-03-30 | access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
* [[31 March]] – [[Zoltán Peskó]], Hungarian conductor and composer, 83<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.blikk.hu/aktualis/belfold/gyasz-meghalt-pesko-zoltan-betegseg-karmester-zeneszerzo/ml5ygrk | title=Gyász: meghalt Peskó Zoltán, az elismert zeneszerző és karmester | work=Blikk | date=2020-04-01 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[2 April]] – [[Claudio Spies]], Chile-born composer, music academic and theorist, and author, 95<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.princeton.edu/news/2020/04/10/claudio-spies-composer-music-theorist-and-great-role-model-dies-95 | title=Claudio Spies, composer, music theorist and 'great role model,' dies at 95 | work=Princeton Daily | author=Simon Morrison | date=2020-04-10 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[3 April]] – Albert K. Webster, American classical music administrator, 82 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/obituaries/albert-webster-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Albert K. Webster, Who Built Up the New York Philharmonic, Dies at 82 | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-04-14 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
* [[4 April]]
** Michel Wiblé, Swiss oboist, pedagogue and composer, 97<ref name="Bramich20200501">{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/05/obituaries.htm | title=April 2020 Obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | author=Keith Bramich | date=2020-05-01 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
** Silvano Carroli, Italian baritone, 81<ref name="Bramich20200501"/>
** Vincent Lionti, American opera orchestra violist and youth orchestra conductor, 61 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/obituaries/vincent-lionti-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Vincent Lionti, Violist and Youth Orchestra Conductor, Dies at 60 | work=The New York Times | author=Neil Genzlinger | date=2020-04-06 | access-date=2020-04-12}}</ref>
* [[7 April]]
** Gildas Delaporte, French-born orchestral double bassist active in The Netherlands, 54<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thestrad.com/news/french-double-bassist-gildas-delaporte-has-died/10514.article | title=French double bassist Gildas Delaporte has died | work=The Strad | date=2020-04-09 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
** [[André Stordeur]], Belgian electronic music composer, 79<ref name="Bramich20200501"/>
* [[8 April]] 
**Eileen Croxford Parkhouse, British cellist, pedagogue, and founder of the Parkhouse Award, 96<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/eileen-croxford-parkhouse-1924-2020/ | title=Eileen Croxford Parkhouse, 1924-2020 | work=Classical Music Magazine | author=Lucy Thraves | date=2020-04-16 | access-date=2020-04-18 | archive-date=13 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913063928/https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/classical_music/eileen-croxford-parkhouse-1924-2020/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
**[[Nicholas Temperley]], American musicologist, 87<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/19-june/gazette/obituaries/obituary-professor-nicholas-temperley | title=Obituary: Professor Nicholas Temperley | work=Church Times | date=2020-06-19 | access-date=2023-05-20}}</ref>
* [[9 April]]
** [[Dmitri Smirnov (composer)|Dmitri Smirnov]], Russian-born composer resident in the UK, 71 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.boosey.com/cr/news/Composer-Dmitri-Smirnov-dies-aged-71/101574 | title=Composer Dmitri Smirnov dies, aged 71 | publisher=Boosey & Hawkes | date=April 2020 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
** [[Richard Teitelbaum]], American composer, 80<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/2020/04/09/831173527/richard-teitelbaum-experimentalist-with-an-earth-spanning-ear-dead-at-80 | title=Richard Teitelbaum, Experimentalist With An Earth-Spanning Ear, Dead At 80 | work=National Public Radio | author=Nate Chinen | date=2020-04-09 | access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>
* [[14 April]] - [[Kerstin Meyer]], Swedish mezzo-soprano, 92<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/operasangerskan-kerstin-meyer-dod/ | title=Operasångerskan Kerstin Meyer död | work=Dagens Nyheter | date=2020-04-14 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* [[15 April]]
** [[Joseph Feingold]], Poland-born architect, Holocaust survivor, and subject of the documentary ''Joe's Violin'', 97 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/obituaries/joseph-feingold-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Joseph Feingold, Holocaust Survivor and Documentary Star, Dies at 97 | work=The New York Times | author=Steven Kurutz | date=2020-04-22 | access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
** [[Kenneth Woollam]], British tenor, 83<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2020/06/03/kenneth-woollam-principal-tenor-english-national-opera-12-years/ | title=Kenneth Woollam, principal tenor of English National Opera for 12 years – obituary | work=Telegraph | date=2020-06-03 | access-date=2020-09-15}}</ref>
* [[16 April]]
** [[Kenneth Gilbert]], Canadian harpsichordist, organist, musicologist, and pedagogue, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/musique-baroque/disparition-du-claveciniste-kenneth-gilbert-83135 | title=Disparition du claveciniste Kenneth Gilbert | work=France Musique | author=Charlotte Landru-Chandès | date=2020-04-17 | access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
** [[Jan Talich]], Czech violinist and violist, and founder of the Talich Quartet, 74<ref>{{cite news | url=https://magazin.aktualne.cz/kultura/klasicka-hudba/zemrel-houslista-jan-talich-starsi-zakladatel-talichova-kvar/r~646072a283ca11ea9d74ac1f6b220ee8/ | title=Zemřel houslista Jan Talich starší, zakladatel Talichova kvarteta. Bylo mu 74 let | work=Aktuálnĕ | date=2020-04-21 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref> 
** Maksimilijan Cenčić, Croatian conductor, 68<ref>{{cite news | url=https://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/u-becu-umro-dirigent-maksimilijan-cencic---602095.html | title=Dirigent Maksmilijan Cenčić preminuo u Beču | work=Dnevnik | date=2020-04-18 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref> 
* [[17 April]]
** [[Arlene Saunders]], American soprano, 89 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/29/obituaries/arlene-saunders-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Arlene Saunders, Soprano With a Dramatic Flair, Dies at 89 | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-04-29 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
** Paul Shelden, American clarinetist, teacher and music administrator, 79 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/08/obituaries/paul-shelden-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Paul Shelden, Clarinetist and Classical Music Advocate, Dies at 79 | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-05-08 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[19 April]] – Alexander Vustin, Russian composer, 79 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.russkiymir.ru/en/news/271631/ | title=Russian composer Alexander Vustin died of COVID-19 | publisher=Russky Mir Foundation | date=20 April 2020 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[22 April]] – Sir [[Peter Jonas (director)|Peter Jonas]], British opera and arts administrator, 73<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/apr/23/sir-peter-jonas-obituary | title=Sir Peter Jonas obituary | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Barry Millington | date=2020-04-23 | access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
* [[24 April]] – [[David Daniels (conductor)|David Wilder Daniels]], American conductor, pedagogue and author, 86<ref name="Bramich20200501"/>
* [[25 April]]
** [[Alan Abel (musician)|Alan Abel]], American orchestral percussionist and pedagogue, 91 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wrti.org/post/alan-abel-former-philadelphia-orchestra-percussionist-and-renowned-teacher-dies-91 | title=Alan Abel, Former Philadelphia Orchestra Percussionist and Renowned Teacher, Dies at 91 | work=WRTI | author=Susan Lewis | date=2020-04-26 | access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>
** [[Vytautas Barkauskas]], Lithuanian composer, 89<ref name="Bramich20200501"/>
** Rosemarie Wright, British pianist and pedagogue, 88<ref name="CMDJune2020obit">{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/06/obits.htm | title=June 2020 Obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | date=10 June 2020 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
* [[27 April]]
** [[Jeannette Pilou]], Greek soprano, 83<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/mort-de-la-soprano-jeannette-pilou-83458 | title=Mort de la soprano Jeannette Pilou | work=France Musique | author=Léopold Tobisch | date=2020-04-29 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
** [[Lynn Harrell]], American cellist, 76<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/01/arts/music/lynn-harrell-acclaimed-american-cellist-is-dead-at-76.html | title=Lynn Harrell, Acclaimed American Cellist, Is Dead at 76 | work=The New York Times | author=Anthony Tommasini | date=2020-05-01 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* [[28 April]] – David Boe, American organist and music academic, 84 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.oberlin.edu/news/david-s-boe-longtime-organ-professor-and-dean-conservatory-dies-84 | title=David S. Boe, Longtime Organ Professor and Dean of the Conservatory, Dies at 84 | work=Oberlin College & Conservatory | author=Erich Burnett | date=2020-04-30 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[29 April]] – [[Martin Lovett]], British cellist and the last surviving member of the [[Amadeus Quartet]], 93 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/article/amadeus-quartet-cellist-martin-lovett-has-died | title=Amadeus Quartet cellist Martin Lovett has died | work=Gramophone | date=2020-04-29 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* [[1 May]] – Georg Hörtnagel, German classical music impresario and former double bass player, 93<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.br-klassik.de/aktuell/news-kritik/konzertveranstalter-georg-hoertnagel-gestorben-konzertdirektion-muenchen-nachruf-100.html | title=Trauer um Georg Hörtnagel: Außenseiter unter den Konzertveranstaltern | work=BR-Klassik | date=2020-05-02 | access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
* [[3 May]]
** [[Rosalind Elias]], American mezzo-soprano, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/06/arts/music/rosalind-elias-dead.html | title=Rosalind Elias, a Popular American Mezzo-Soprano, Dies at 90 | work=The New York Times | author=Anthony Tommasini | date=2020-05-06 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
** [[Frederick C. Tillis]], American composer, jazz saxophonist, and music academic, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/17/arts/music/frederick-c-tillis-dead.html | title=Frederick C. Tillis, Composer Who Straddled Genres, Dies at 90 | work=The New York Times | author=Julia Carmel | date=2020-06-17 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
* [[6 May]] – Norbert Balasch, Austrian choral conductor, 92<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/disparition-de-norbert-balatsch-chef-de-choeur-autrichien-83755 | title=Disparition de Norbert Balatsch, chef de chœur autrichien | work=France Musique | author=Victor Tribot Laspière | date=2020-05-07 | access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
* [[7 May]] – [[John Macurdy]], American bass, 91<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/5/News/John_Macurdy,_Met_Stalwart_for_Thirty-Five_Seasons,_has_Died.html | title=John Macurdy, 91, Met Stalwart for Thirty-Five Seasons, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-05-13 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
* [[13 May]] – [[Gabriel Bacquier]], French baritone, 95<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/5/News/French_Baritone_Gabriel_Bacquier,_95,_a_Peerless_Singing_Actor,_has_Died.html | title=French Baritone Gabriel Bacquier, 95, a Peerless Singing Actor, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-05-14 | access-date=2020-05-16}}</ref>
* [[18 May]] – John Poole, British organist and choral conductor, 86<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/articles/p/j/john-poole.htm | title=John Poole | work=Classical Music Daily | date=May 2020 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[19 May]] – Bert Beal, American orchestral bassoonist and regular amateur photographer for the New York Philharmonic, 93<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/09/arts/music/bert-bial-dead-photographer-bassoonist.html | title=Bert Bial, Philharmonic Musician With an Insider's Lens, Dies at 93 | work=New York Times | author=Neil Genzlinger | date=2020-06-09 | access-date=2020-06-14}}</ref>
* [[24 May]] – James Harrison, American music academic and university administrator, 84 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/09/obituaries/james-harrison-dead-coronavirus.html | title=James Harrison, Music Professor and Piano Lover, Dies at 84 | work=The New York Times | author=Anthony Tommasini | date=2020-07-09 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[25 May]] – Joel Revzen, American conductor, 74 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/01/obituaries/joel-revzen-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Joel Revzen, Conductor and Music Festival Leader, Dies at 74 | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-06-01 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[30 May]]
** [[Mady Mesplé]], French soprano, 98<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/la-grande-soprano-mady-mesple-est-morte-84518 | title=La grande soprano Mady Mesplé est morte | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-05-31 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
** André Emelianoff, American cellist and pedagogue, 78<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thestrad.com/news/cellist-andre-emelianoff-chamber-musician-and-juilliard-teacher-has-died/10741.article | title=Cellist André Emelianoff, chamber musician and Juilliard teacher, has died | work=The Strad | date=2020-06-01 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[1 June]]
** [[Janine Reiss]], French harpsichordist and academic, 99<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/janine-reiss-grande-figure-du-monde-de-la-musique-est-morte-84550 | title=Janine Reiss, grande figure du monde de la musique, est morte | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-06-02 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
** Myroslav Skoryk, Ukrainian composer, conductor and pedagogue, 81<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/articles/s/m/myroslav-skoryk.htm | title=Myroslav Skoryk | work=Classical Music Daily | date=June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
** Marion Zarzeczna, American pianist and pedagogue, 89<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.rider.edu/news/2020/06/29/marion-zarzeczna-longtime-westminster-choir-college-faculty-member-dies-89 | title=Marion Zarzeczna, longtime Westminster Choir College faculty member, dies at 89 | publisher=Rider College | date=29 June 2020 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[4 June]] – [[Marcello Abbado]], Italian pianist, composer, conductor and pedagogue, 93<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/articles/a/m/marcello-abbado.htm | title=Marcello Abbado | work=Classical Music Daily | date=June 2020 | access-date=2020-06-07}}</ref>
* [[7 June]]
** [[Jolanda Meneguzzer]], Italian soprano, 90<ref>{{cite web | url=https://operawire.com/obituary-florentine-soprano-jolanda-meneguzzer-dies-aged-90/ | title=Obituary: Florentine Soprano Jolanda Meneguzzer Dies, Age 90 | work=Opera Wire | author=Logan Martell | date=2020-06-09 | access-date=2021-01-03}}</ref>
** [[Edith Thallaug]], Norwegian mezzo-soprano and actress, 90<ref name="CMDJune2020obit"/>
* [[8 June]] – [[Daniel Stolper]], American oboist, 85<ref name="CMDJune2020obit"/>
* [[11 June]] – [[Katsuhisa Hattori]], Japanese composer and conductor, 83<ref name="CMDJune2020obit"/>
* [[13 June]] – [[Lucy Scarbrough]], American pianist and pedagogue, 92<ref name="CMDJune2020obit"/>
* [[14 June]] – [[Claude Samuel]], French music journalist, radio producer and administrator, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/culture-musicale/claude-samuel-figure-emblematique-de-la-musique-contemporaine-francaise-est-mort-84959 | title=Claude Samuel, figure emblématique de la musique contemporaine française, est mort | work=France Musique | author=Léopold Tobisch | date=2020-06-14 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
* [[17 June]] – [[Victor Feldbrill]], Canadian conductor, 96<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/disparition-de-nicolas-joel-ancien-directeurs-des-operas-de-paris-et-toulouse-85098 | title=Disparition de Nicolas Joel ancien directeur de l'Opéra de Paris et du Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse | work=France Musique | author=Léopold Tobisch | date=2020-06-19 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
* [[18 June]] – [[Nicolas Joel]], French opera director and administrator, 67<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cbc.ca/music/victor-feldbrill-conductor-and-champion-of-canadian-composers-has-died-at-96-1.5617140 | title=Victor Feldbrill, conductor and champion of Canadian composers, has died at 96 | work=CBC | date=2020-06-18 | access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref>
* [[23 June]] – [[Ryan Anthony]], American orchestral trumpet player, 51<ref name="CMDJune2020obit"/>
* [[24 June]] – [[Jane Parker-Smith]], British organist, 70<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/choir_organ/jane-parker-smith-1950-2020/ | title=Jane Parker-Smith 1950-2020 | work=Classical Music Magazine | author=Maggie Hamilton | date=2020-07-01 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
* [[25 June]] – [[Marga Richter]], American composer, 93<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/10/arts/music/marga-richter-dead.html | title=Marga Richter, Composer in a Male-Dominated Era, Dies at 93 | work=The New York Times | author=Neil Genzlinger | date=2020-07-10 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
* [[1 July]]
** [[Ida Haendel]], Polish-born British violinist, 96<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/01/ida-haendel-obituary | title=Ida Haendel obituary | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Robert White | date=2020-07-01 | access-date=2020-07-12}}</ref>
** Herbert Schramowski, German pianist, scholar, pedagogue, and composer, 93<ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.nmz.de/online/ein-leben-fuer-die-musik-zum-tode-von-herbert-schramowski | title=Ein Leben für die Musik - Zum Tode von Herbert Schramowski | work=NMZ | author= Thomas Schinköth | date=2020-07-19 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[2 July]] – [[Nikolai Kapustin]], Ukrainian-born composer, 82<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/articles/k/n/nikolai-kapustin.htm | title=Nikolai Kapustin | work=Classical Music Daily | date=July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-05}}</ref>
* [[6 July]] – Erich Hartmann, German orchestral double bassist, 100<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/news/detail/trauer-um-erich-hartmann/ | title=Trauer um Erich Hartmann | publisher=Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | date=7 July 2020 | access-date=2020-07-12 | archive-date=13 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713050541/https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/news/detail/trauer-um-erich-hartmann/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[7 July]] – Lorenzo Arruga, Italian composer, music critic and author, 83<ref name="BramichJuly2020">{{cite news | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/07/obits.htm | title=July 2020 obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | author=Keith Bramich | date=2020-07-10 | access-date=2020-08-08}}</ref>
* [[9 July]] – [[Gabriella Tucci]], Italian soprano, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/7/News/Gabriella_Tucci,_authoritative_interpreter_of_the_heroines_of_Verdi_and_Puccini.html | title=Gabriella Tucci, 90, An Authoritative Interpreter of Verdi and Puccini Heroines, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-07-12 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[12 July]] – [[Eleanor Sokoloff]], American pianist and pedagogue, 106<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/curtis-institute-philadelphia-eleanor-sokoloff-20200712.html| title=Eleanor Sokoloff, 106, who taught at Curtis Institute for more than eight decades, dies | work=The Philadelphia Inquirer | author=Peter Dobrin | date=2020-07-12 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[14 July]] – [[Gabriele Buschmeier]], German musicologist, 65<ref name="BramichJuly2020"/>
* [[18 July]] – [[David Jisse]], French composer, radio producer, arranger and instrumentalist, 74<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/mort-de-david-jisse-compositeur-et-homme-de-radio-86124 | title=Mort de David Jisse, compositeur et homme de radio | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-07-19 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[22 July]] – Paul Reale, American composer, 77<ref name="BramichJuly2020"/>
* [[23 July]] – Monique Borelli, French soprano, 59<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/la-soprano-monique-borelli-mortellement-poignardee-par-son-fils-86153 | title=La soprano Monique Borelli mortellement poignardée par son fils | work=France Musique | author=Julien Hanck | date=2020-07-23 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[24 July]] – [[Humbert Camerlo]], French opera director, 76<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/disparition-d-humbert-camerlo-geant-de-la-mise-en-scene-d-opera-86155 | title=Disparition d'Humbert Camerlo, géant de la mise en scène d'opéra | work=France Musique | author=Julien Hanck | date=2020-07-24 | access-date=2020-07-28}}</ref>
* [[25 July]] – [[Bernard Ładysz]], Polish bass-baritone, 98<ref name="BramichJuly2020"/>
* [[27 July]] – Camil Marinescu, Romanian conductor, 55 (from COVID-19)<ref name="BramichJuly2020"/>
* [[2 August]] - [[Leon Fleisher]], American pianist, conductor and teacher, 92<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/leon-fleisher-sublime-pianist-with-one-hand-or-two-dies-at-92/2020/08/02/c7c98f90-527d-11e6-b7de-dfe509430c39_story.html | title=Leon Fleisher, sublime pianist undaunted by mysterious hand malady, dies at 92 | newspaper=The Washington Post | author=Anne Midgette | date=2020-08-02 | access-date=2020-08-05}}</ref>
* [[6 August]] – Eldar Aliev, Azerbaijani bass, 49 (body found on reported day)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://operawire.com/obituary-azerbaijani-bass-eldar-aliev-dies-aged-49/ | title=Obituary: Azerbaijani Bass Eldar Aliev Dies, Aged 49 | work=Opera Wire | author=Logan Martell | date=2020-08-18 | access-date=2020-12-31}}</ref>
* [[7 August]] - [[Constance Weldon]], American tuba player and pedagogue, 88<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/07/arts/music/constance-weldon-dead.html | title=Constance Weldon, Pioneering Virtuoso of the Tuba, Dies at 88 | work=The New York Times | author=Julia Carmel | date=2020-09-07 | access-date=2020-09-12}}</ref>
* [[8 August]] 
** [[Erich Gruenberg]], Austrian-born British violinist, orchestra leader, and pedagogue, 95<ref name=Bramich20200816>{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/08/obits.htm | title=August 2020 Obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | author=Keith Bramich | date=2020-08-16 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
** Anatoly Duda, Ukrainian tenor and voice pedagogue, 73<ref name=Bramich20200816/>
* [[9 August]] – Nathan Hull, American baritone and arts administrator, 69<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/8/News/Nathan_Hull,_69,_President_and_Artistic_Director_of_Amore_Opera,_has_Died.html | title=Nathan Hull, 69, Founder and Artistic Director of Amore Opera, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-08-19 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[14 August]] – [[Julian Bream]], British guitarist, 87<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/14/julian-bream-british-classical-guitarist-dies-aged-87 | title=Julian Bream, British classical guitarist, dies aged 87 | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Ben Beaumont-Thomas | date=2020-08-14 | access-date=2020-08-14}}</ref>
* [[16 August]] – [[Ornella Volta]], Italy-born French musicologist and founder of the Fondation Erik Satie, 93<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/01/ornella-volta-obituary | title=Ornella Volta obituary | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Antony Melville | date=2020-11-01 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[19 August]] – [[Randall Craig Fleischer]], American conductor, 61<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/2020/08/21/hudson-valley-philharmonic-bardavon-randall-craig-fleischer/3407158001/ | title=Hudson Valley Philharmonic, Bardavon mourn loss of conductor Randall Craig Fleischer | work=Poughkeepsie Journal | author=John W Barry | date=2020-08-21 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[27 August]] – Verne Edquist, Canadian piano tuner and personal piano tuner for [[Glenn Gould]], 89<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/arts/music/verne-edquist-dead.html | title= Verne Edquist, Virtuoso Piano Tuner, Is Dead at 89 | work=The New York Times | author=James Barron | date=2020-10-02 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
* [[30 August]] – Claudio Cavina, Italian countertenor and conductor, 58<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/musique-baroque/claudio-cavina-est-mort-86996 | title=Claudio Cavina, chef d'orchestre et contre-ténor, est mort | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-08-31 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[2 September]] – [[Rinat Ibragimov (musician)|Rinat Ibragimov]], Russia-born British orchestral double bassist and past principal double bass of the London Symphony Orchestra, 60<ref>{{cite press release | url= https://lso.co.uk/more/news/1572-obituary-rinat-ibragimov-1960-2020.html | title=Obituary: Rinat Ibragimov (1960–2020) | publisher=London Symphony Orchestra | date=2 September 2020 | access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref>
* [[6 September]] – [[Christiane Eda-Pierre]], Martinique-born French soprano, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/opera/deces-de-la-soprano-christiane-eda-pierre-une-grande-voix-s-eteint-34976 | title=Décès de la soprano Christiane Eda-Pierre: une grande voix s'éteint | work=France Musique| author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-09-07 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[7 September]] – Norman Bernal, Peru-born American violinist and middle school music teacher, 75 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/obituaries/norman-bernal-dead-coronavirus.html | title= Norman Bernal, Generation-Spanning Music Teacher, Dies at 75 | work=The New York Times | author=Joshua Barone | date=2020-09-30 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
* [[9 September]] – [[Patrick Davin]], Belgian conductor, 61<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/opera/deces-de-la-soprano-christiane-eda-pierre-une-grande-voix-s-eteint-34976 | title=Décès de la soprano Christiane Eda-Pierre: une grande voix s'éteint | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-09-07 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[10 September]] – Adrian Clarke, British baritone
* [[11 September]]
** [[Annette Jahns]], German mezzo/contralto, pedagogue, and opera director, 62
** [[Stéphane Caillat]], French choral conductor and composer, 92<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-du-compositeur-stephane-caillat-87567 | title=Le chef de choeur Stéphane Caillat est mort | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-09-14 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
** [[Christian Manen]], French composer and music pedagogue, 86<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-du-compositeur-christian-manen-87598 | title=Décès du compositeur et pédagogue Christian Manen | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-09-14 | access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref>
* [[15 September]]
** Caroline Kaart, Scotland-born Dutch mezzo/alto resident, pedagogue and radio presenter, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nporadio4.nl/podium/nieuws/6208-zangeres-caroline-kaart-overleden-88 | title=Zangeres Caroline Kaart overleden (88) | work=Netherlands Radio 4 | date=2020-09-16 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
** [[Jan Krenz]], Polish conductor and composer, 94
** [[Paul Méfano]], Iraq-born French composer and contemporary music advocate, 83<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-du-compositeur-et-chef-d-orchestre-paul-mefano-87614 | title=Décès de Paul Méfano, compositeur et fondateur de l'ensemble 2e2m | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-09-15 | access-date=2020-09-12}}</ref>
* [[17 September]] – [[Barry Griffiths (violinist)|Barry Griffiths]], British violinist and orchestral leader, 81<ref>[https://exbulletin.com/sports/486536/ "Barry Griffiths, conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and gifted solo violinist obituary"] ''Exbulletin'', 2020-10-22. Retrieved 2020-11-05.</ref>
* [[21 September]] – [[Jacques-Louis Monod]], French and American composer, conductor and teacher, 93<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/arts/music/jacques-louis-monod-dead.html | title=Jacques-Louis Monod, Modernist Composer With a Lyrical Touch, Dies at 93 | work=The New York Times | date=2020-10-02| last1=Fox | first1=Margalit }}</ref>
* [[23 September]] – Maurice Edwards, American stage director and actor, and orchestra administrator, 97 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/arts/music/maurice-edwards-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Maurice Edwards, Busy Figure in Theater and Music, Dies at 97 | author=Neil Genzlinger | work=The New York Times | date=2020-10-08 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* [[24 September]] – Daniele Carnovich, Italian bass, 63<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-de-la-basse-profonde-daniele-carnovich-87902 | title=Décès de la basse Daniele Carnovich | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-09-25 | access-date=2020-09-28}}</ref>
* [[28 September]]
** [[Frédéric Devreese]], Netherlands-born composer, 91<ref>{{cite web | url=http://donemus.nl/frederic-devreese-%e2%80%a0/ | title= Frédéric Devreese † | work=Donemus | date=2020-09-28 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
** [[Maynard Solomon]], American music scholar and author, and record producer, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/arts/music/maynard-solomon-dead.html | title=Maurice Edwards, Busy Figure in Theater and Music, Dies at 97 | author=Anthony Tommasini | work=The New York Times | date=2020-10-08 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* [[29 September]]
** [[Isidora Žebeljan]], Serbian composer, 53<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/serbische-komponistin-isidora-zebeljan-gestorben | title=Serbische Komponistin Isidora Žebeljan gestorben | work=NMZ | date=2020-09-25 | access-date=2020-10-02}}</ref>
** [[Justin Connolly]], British composer, 87<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/01/justin-connolly-obituary | title=Justin Connolly obituary | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Andrew McBirnie | date=2020-11-01 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[3 October]]
**[[Karel Fiala]], Czech tenor, 95<ref name="ClassicalMusicDaily10082020">{{cite news | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/10/obits.htm | title=October 2020 Obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | author=Keith Bramich | date=2020-10-08 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
**[[Richard Woitach]], American opera conductor, 84<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/10/News/Richard_Woitach.html | title=Richard Woitach, 84, Longtime Met Staff Conductor, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-10-07 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* [[6 October]] – [[Yves Gérard]], French musicologist, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-du-musicologue-yves-gerard-88363 | title=Décès du musicologue Yves Gérard | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-10-07 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* [[7 October]]
**[[Alexander Alexeev (conductor)|Alexander Alexeev]], Russian conductor, 82<ref name="ClassicalMusicDaily10082020"/>
**[[Jean Martin (pianist)|Jean Martin]], French pianist, 92<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-de-jean-martin-88376 | title=Décès de Jean Martin | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-10-09 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
** Vladislav Piavko, Russian baritone, 79<ref name="ClassicalMusicDaily10082020"/>
* [[8 October]] – [[Erin Wall]], Canadian-American soprano, 44<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/10/News/Soprano_Erin_Wall,_44,_An_Imaginative,_Versatile_Singing_Actress,_has_Died.html | title=Soprano Erin Wall, 44, An Imaginative, Versatile Singing Actress, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-10-09 | access-date=2020-10-10}}</ref>
* [[9 October]] – [[Ruth Falcon]], American soprano and voice teacher, 77<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/arts/music/ruth-falcon-dead.html | title=Ruth Falcon, Soprano Turned Master Teacher, Dies at 77 | author=Anthony Tommasini | work=The New York Times | date=2020-10-21 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[11 October]] – [[Jon Gibson (minimalist musician)|Jon Gibson]], American saxophonist and composer, 80<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/19/arts/music/jon-gibson-dead.html | title=Jon Gibson, Minimalist Saxophonist and Composer, Dies at 80 | author=Steve Smith | work=The New York Times | date=2020-10-19 | access-date=2020-10-23}}</ref>
* [[21 October]] – Patrick Charton, French luthier, 66<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/mort-du-luthier-patrick-charton-89059 | title= Mort du luthier Patrick Charton | work=France Musique | author= Laurent Borde | date=2020-10-27 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[23 October]] – [[Ming Cho Lee]], American theatre, opera, and dance set designer, 90<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/26/theater/ming-cho-lee-dead.html | title=Ming Cho Lee, Fabled Set Designer, Is Dead at 90 | work=The New York Times | author=Neil Genzlinger | date=2020-10-26 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[25 October]]
** [[Rosanna Carteri]], Italian soprano, 89<ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/mort-de-la-soprano-rosanna-carteri-89030 | title=Mort de la soprano Rosanna Carteri | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-10-26 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
** Jan Boerman, Dutch composer and specialist in electronic music, 97<ref>{{cite web | url=http://donemus.nl/jan-boerman-%e2%80%a0/ | title=Jan Boerman † | work=Donemus | date=2020-10-27 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
** [[György Fischer]], Hungarian conductor and pianist, 85<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-du-chef-d-orchestre-gyorgy-fischer-89319 | title=Décès du chef d'orchestre György Fischer | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-11-06 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
* [[28 October]] – Scott Bergeson, American opera conductor, 69<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/10/News/Scott_Bergeson.html | title=Scott Bergeson, 69, Longtime Conductor on Metropolitan Opera Music Staff, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-10-29 | access-date=2020-10-28}}</ref>
* [[29 October]] – [[Alexander Vedernikov]], Russian conductor, 56 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-du-chef-d-orchestre-alexander-vedernikov-89134 | title=Décès du chef d'orchestre Alexander Vedernikov | work=France Musique | author=Aude Giger | date=2020-10-30 | access-date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* [[30 October]] – [[Arthur Wills (musician)|Arthur Wills]], British organist and composer, 94<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/13-november/gazette/obituaries/obituary-dr-arthur-wills | title= Obituary: Dr Arthur Wills | work=Church Times |author=Paul Trepte | date=2020-11-13 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[31 October]] – Yehonatan Berick, Israel-born Canadian violinist and pedagogue, 52<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.cbc.ca/music/canada-s-classical-musicians-react-to-the-sudden-death-of-yehonatan-berick-52-1.5786072 | title=Canada's classical musicians react to the sudden death of Yehonatan Berick, 52 | work=CBC | author=Robert Rowat | date=2020-11-02 | access-date=2020-11-06}}</ref>
* [[1 November]]
** [[Pedro Iturralde]], saxophonist and composer, 91<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elespanol.com/cultura/20201101/muere-compositor-saxofonista-pedro-iturralde/532696922_0.html |title=Muere el compositor de jazz y saxofonista Pedro Iturralde a los 91 años |language=es |publisher=El Español |date=1 November 2020 }}</ref>
** Eva Zikmundová, Czech soprano and pedagogue, 88<ref name="CMDNov2020">{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/11/obits.htm | title=November 2020 Obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | author=Keith Bramich | date=2020-11-29 | access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref>
* [[8 November]] – Alexander Buzlov, Russian cellist, 37<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/disparition-soudaine-du-violoncelliste-alexandre-bouzlov-89527 | title=Disparition soudaine du violoncelliste Alexander Buzlov | work=France Musique | author=Suzana Kubik | date=2020-11-09 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[9 November]] – Robert Layton, British musicologist and critic, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/article/the-musicologist-critic-and-gramophone-reviewer-robert-layton-has-died | title=The musicologist, critic and Gramophone reviewer Robert Layton has died | work=Gramophone | author=James Jolly | date=2020-11-09 | access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>
* [[13 November]] – Konrad Hünteler, German flautist, 73<ref name="CMDNov2020"/>
* [[16 November]]
** Sheila Nelson, British music teacher and violinist, 84<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/14/sheila-nelson-obituary | title=Sheila Nelson obituary | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=John Fordham | date=2020-12-14 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
** [[Eugenia Ratti]], Italian soprano, 87<ref>{{cite web | url=https://operawire.com/obituary-italian-soprano-eugenia-ratti-dies-at-87/ | title=Obituary: Italian Soprano Eugenia Ratti Dies at 87 | work=Opera Wire | author=Chris Ruel | date=2020-11-24 | access-date=2021-01-03}}</ref>
* [[17 November]] – Gabriel Chmura, Polish conductor, 74<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-de-gabriel-chmura-89688 | title=Décès de Gabriel Chmura | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-11-20 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
* [[18 November]] – Victor Danchenko, Russia-born violinist and pedagogue resident in the US, 83<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.violinist.com/blog/laurie/202011/28544/ | title=Remembering Violinist Victor Danchenko (1937-2020) | work=Violinist.comm | author=Laurie Niles | date=2020-11-19 | access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>
* [[20 November]] – Arthur Woodley, American bass, 71<ref>{{cite news | url=https://operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2020/11/News/Bass_Arthur_Woodley_has_Died.html | title=Bass Arthur Woodley, 71, A Performer of Consistent Excellence and Surpassing Collegiality, has Died | work=Opera News | date=2020-11-23 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
* [[25 November]] – [[Camilla Wicks]], American violinist, 92<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/camilla-wicks-died/2020/11/27/8957decc-30ce-11eb-bae0-50bb17126614_story.html|title=Camilla Wicks, acclaimed mid-century violin virtuoso, dies at 92|newspaper=Washington Post|date=26 November 2020}}</ref>
* [[26 November]] 
** [[Cecilia Fusco]], Italian operatic soprano, 87 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/udine/cronaca/2020/11/28/news/latisana-piange-la-soprano-maria-cecilia-fusco-1.39593606|title=Latisana piange la soprano Maria Cecilia Fusco|website=Messaggero Veneto|language=it|date=28 November 2020}}</ref>
** [[Kamen Tchanev]], Bulgarian operatic tenor, 56 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sofiaglobe.com/2020/11/26/bulgarian-international-opera-star-kamen-chanev-dies-of-covid-19/|title=Bulgarian international opera star Kamen Chanev dies of Covid-19|website=Sofia Globe|date=26 November 2020|access-date=28 November 2020}}</ref>
* [[28 November]] – Sarah Bryan Miller, American classical music critic and journalist, 68<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/sarah-bryan-miller-longtime-post-dispatch-classical-music-critic-dies/article_ad9a2a81-1e0e-57b6-bcbe-c0a12c3a7627.html | title=Sarah Bryan Miller, longtime Post-Dispatch classical music critic, dies | work=Saint Louis Post-Dispatch | author=Amy Bertrand and Jane Henderson | date=2020-11-28 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
* [[30 November]] – Hella Brock, German musicologist, pedagogue, scholar, and specialist in the music of [[Edvard Grieg]], 101 (from COVID-19)<ref name="CMDNov2020"/>
* [[1 December]] – Sophie Boulin, French soprano, 69<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-de-sophie-boulin-90254 | title=Décès de Sophie Boulin, grande voix baroque | work=France Musique | author=Laurent Borde | date=2020-12-02 | access-date=2020-12-04}}</ref>
* [[2 December]] – Hans Miilberg, Estonian baritone, 75<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.opera.ee/arhiiv/91027/ | title=Hans Miilberg, 25. V 1945 – 02. XII 2020 | publisher=Estonian National Opera | date=2020-12-02 | access-date=2020-12-04 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* [[3 December]] – Noah Creshevsky, American composer, 75<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/12/arts/music/noah-creshevsky-dead.html | title= Noah Creshevsky, Composer of 'Hyperreal' Music, Dies at 75 | work=The New York Times | author=Steve Smith | date=2020-12-12 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
* [[6 December]]
** Klaus Ofcarzek, Austrian actor and tenor, 81<ref>{{cite press release| url=https://www.volksoper.at/volksoper_wien/information/news_neuigkeiten/Die_Volksoper_trauert_um_Klaus_Ofczarek_.de.php| title=Die Volksoper trauert um Klaus Ofczarek| publisher=Volksoper Wien| date=2020-12-06| access-date=2020-12-18}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
** Petras Bingelis, Lithuanian conductor, 79 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.delfi.lt/veidai/zmones/mire-covid-19-sirges-dirigentas-petras-bingelis.d?id=85924021 | title=Mirė COVID-19 sirgęs dirigentas Petras Bingelis | work=Delfi | author=Ramūnas Jakubauskas | date=2020-12-06 | access-date=2021-01-02}}</ref>
* [[7 December]] – Vadim Petrov, Czech composer, 88<ref>{{cite news | url=https://english.radio.cz/composer-vadim-petrov-dies-88-8702282 | title=Composer Vadim Petrov dies at 88 | work=Radio Prague International | author=Daniela Lazarová | date=2020-12-07 | access-date=2021-01-02}}</ref>
* [[8 December]] – [[Harold Budd]], American composer, 84 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/17/arts/music/harold-budd-dead-coronavirus.html | title=Harold Budd, Composer of Spaciousness and Calm, Dies at 84 | work=The New York Times | author=Steve Smith | date=2020-12-17 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
* [[10 December]] – [[Kenneth Alwyn]], British conductor, composer and radio presenter, 95<ref name="Bramich122020">{{cite web | url=https://www.classicalmusicdaily.com/2020/12/obits.htm | title=December 2020 Obituaries | work=Classical Music Daily | author=Keith Bramich | date=2020-12-13 | access-date=2021-01-02}}</ref>
* [[15 December]] – [[Charles Shere]], American composer, radio and television producer, critic and academic, 85<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sfcv.org/music-news/rip-charles-shere-bay-area-music-presence-for-six-decades | title=R.I.P. Charles Shere, Bay Area Music Presence for Six Decades | work=San Francisco Classical Review | author=Janos Gereben | date=2020-12-19 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* [[18 December]]
** Brandon Townsend, Ireland-born conductor and cellist active in the US, 52<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/2020/12/tamiutownsendpassing121920.shtml | title=Longtime TAMIU Faculty Member, LPO Director Brendan Townsend Dies  | publisher= Texas A&M International University | date=2020-12-19 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
** Robin Sutherland, American orchestral pianist, 69<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.sfsymphony.org/About-SFS/Press-Room/Press-Releases/Robin-Sutherland-dies | title=San Francisco Symphony Former Principal Keyboards of 46 Years Robin Sutherland Passes Away | publisher=San Francisco Symphony | date=2020-12-06 | access-date=2020-12-18}}</ref>
* [[20 December]] – Dame [[Fanny Waterman]], British music teacher and founder of the [[Leeds International Piano Competition]], 84<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/21/dame-fanny-waterman-obituary | title=Dame Fanny Waterman obituary | work=[[The Guardian]] | author=Barry Millington | date=2020-12-21 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* [[24 December]] 
** [[Ivry Gitlis]], Israel-born violinist resident in France, 98<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/ivry-gitlis-la-liberte-au-bout-de-l-archet-81406 | title=Ivry Gitlis, la liberté au bout de l'archet | work=France Musique | author=Clément Buzalka and Guillaume Decalf | date=2020-12-24 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
** [[Catherine Ennis]], British organist, 65<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.rhinegold.co.uk/choir_organ/organ-world-mourns-death-of-catherine-ennis/ | title=Organ world mourns death of Catherine Ennis | work=Classical Music Magazine | author=Maggie Hamilton | date=2020-12-26 | access-date=2020-12-27}}</ref>
* [[26 December]]
** Florence Badol-Bertrand, French musicologist, 59<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/actualite-musicale/deces-de-la-musicologue-florence-badol-bertrand-91262 | title=Décès de la musicologue Florence Badol-Bertrand | work=France Musique | author=Guillaume Decalf | date=2021-01-06 | access-date=2021-01-06}}</ref>
** Shirley Young, Chinese-American businesswoman and classical music philanthropist, 85<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/03/obituaries/shirley-young-dead.html | title=Shirley Young, Businesswoman and Cultural Diplomat to China, Dies at 85 | work=The New York Times | author=Clay Risen | date=2021-01-03 | access-date=2021-01-06}}</ref>
** Oswald Vogler, German orchestral timpanist, 90<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/news/detail/trauer-um-oswald-vogler/ | title=Trauer um Oswald Vogler | publisher=Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | date=2020-12-29 | access-date=2021-01-22}}</ref>
* [[28 December]]
** [[Fou Ts'ong]], China-born pianist resident in the UK, 86 (from COVID-19)<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/musique-classique/disparition-de-fou-ts-ong-grand-poete-du-piano-91175 | title=Disparition de Fou Ts'ong, le "poète du piano" | work=France Musique | author=Charlotte Landru-Chandès | date=2020-12-29 | access-date=2020-12-30}}</ref>
** [[Paul-Heinz Dittrich]], German composer, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/akademie-der-kuenste-trauert-um-paul-heinz-dittrich | title=Akademie der Künste trauert um Paul-Heinz Dittrich | work=NMZ | author=Jeanine Meerapfel | date=2020-12-30 | access-date=2021-01-01}}</ref>
* [[29 December]]
** Suzanne Gessner, French violinist and pedagogue, 68<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/musique/avec-le-deces-de-suzanne-gessner-a-68-ans-le-violon-francais-perd-l-un-de-ses-grands-professeurs-20201231 | title=Avec le décès brutal de Suzanne Gessner à 68 ans, le violon français perd l'un de ses grands professeurs | work=Le Figaro | author=Thierry Hillériteau | date=2020-12-31 | access-date=2020-12-31}}</ref>
** [[Claude Bolling]], French jazz, film, and crossover classical composer, 90<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.francemusique.fr/jazz/disparition-du-pianiste-de-jazz-claude-bolling-91211 | title=Disparition du pianiste de jazz, chef d'orchestre et compositeur Claude Bolling | work=France Musique | author= | date=2020-12-30 | access-date=2020-12-31}}</ref>
* [[30 December]] – Sándor Sólyom-Nagy, Hungary-born baritone active in Germany, 79<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nmz.de/kiz/nachrichten/ungarischer-wagner-bariton-sandor-solyom-nagy-gestorben | title=Ungarischer Wagner-Bariton Sandor Solyom-Nagy gestorben | work=NMZ | author= | date=2020-12-31 | access-date=2021-01-01}}</ref>

==Major awards==
* 2020 Pulitzer Prize Winner in Music: [[Anthony Davis (composer)|Anthony Davis]] and Richard Wesley - ''The Central Park Five''

===Grammy Awards===
* Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: [[Caroline Shaw]] – ''Orange''; Attacca Quartet
* Best Choral Performance: [[Maurice Duruflé]] – 'Complete Choral Works'; [[Ken Cowan]]; [[Houston Chamber Choir]]; Robert Simpson, conductor (Signum Classics)
* Best Classical Compendium: ''The Poetry of Places''; Nadia Shpachenko (Delos)
* Best Classical Instrumental Solo: [[Wynton Marsalis]] – Violin Concerto / ''Fiddle Dance Suite''; [[Nicola Benedetti]]; The Philadelphia Orchestra; [[Cristian Măcelaru]], conductor (Decca Classics)
* Best Contemporary Classical Composition: [[Jennifer Higdon]] – Harp Concerto; Yolanda Kondonassis, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra; Ward Stare, conductor
* Best Classical Solo Vocal Album: ''Songplay''; Joyce DiDonato; Chuck Israels, Jimmy Madison, Charlie Porter, and Craig Terry
* Best Opera Recording: Tobias Picker – ''Fantastic Mr Fox''; John Brancy, Andrew Craig Brown, Gabriel Preisser, Krista River & Edwin Vega; Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Boston Children's Chorus; Gil Rose, conductor 
* Best Engineered Album, Classical: Terry Riley – ''Sun Rings''; [[Leslie Ann Jones]], engineer; John Kilgore, [[Judith Sherman]] & David Harrington, engineers/mixers; [[Bob Ludwig|Robert C. Ludwig]], mastering engineer (Nonesuch)
* Best Orchestral Performance: Andrew Norman – ''Sustain''; Los Angeles Philharmonic; Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Deutsche Grammophon)
* Producer of the Year, Classical: Blanton Alspaugh

===Victoires de la musique Classique===
* ''Victoire d'honneur'': [[Anna Netrebko]], [[Philippe Jaroussky]]
* Recording of the Year: Saint-Saëns – Piano Concertos Nos 3–5; Alexandre Kotorow, Tapiola Sinfonietta; Jean-Jacques Kantorow, conductor (BIS)
* ''Artiste Lyrique'': Karine Deshayes, Benjamin Bernheim
* Instrumental soloist: Alexandre Kotorow
* Composer: Camille Pépin – ''The Sound of Trees''
* ''Révélation Artiste Lyrique'' – [[Marie Perbost]]
* ''Révélation Soliste Instrumental'' – Gabriel Pidoux

===Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2020===
* Chamber: Bartók – Piano Quintet / Veress – String Trio; Vilde Frang; Barnabás Kelemen; Katalin Kokas; Lawrence Power; Nicolas Altstaedt; Alexander Lonquich (Alpha Classics)
* Choral: J.S. Bach – ''St Matthew Passion''; Benjamin Bruns, Damien Guillon, Christian Immler, Toru Kaku, Clint van der Linde, Aki Matsui, Makoto Sakurada, Carolyn Sampson, Zachary Wilder; Bach Collegium Japan; Masaaki Suzuki, conductor (BIS)
* Concerto: Chopin – Piano Concertos; Benjamin Grosvenor; Royal Scottish National Orchestra; [[Elim Chan]], conductor (Decca Classics)
* Contemporary: Thomas Adès - Piano Concerto / ''Totentanz''; Kirill Gerstein, Mark Stone, Christianne Stotijn; Boston Symphony Orchestra; Thomas Adès, conductor (Deutsche Grammophon)
* Early Music: Gesualdo - ''Madrigali, Libri primo & secondo''; Les Arts Florissants; Paul Agnew (harmonia mundi) (Hyperion)
* Instrumental: Beethoven - Complete Piano Sonatas; Igor Levit (Sony Classical)
* Opera: Handel – ''Agrippina''; Joyce DiDonato, Elsa Benoit, Luca Pisaroni, Franco Fagioli, Jakub Józef Orliński, Andrea Mastroni, Carlo Vistoli, Biagio Pizzuti, Marie-Nicole Lemieux; Il Pomo d'Oro; [[Maxim Emelyanychev]], conductor (Erato)
* Orchestral: [[Mieczysław Weinberg]] - Symphonies Nos 2 and 21; Gidon Kremer; Kremerata Baltica; [[City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra]]; [[Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla]], conductor (Deutsche Grammophon)
* Recital: ''Si j'ai aimé'' (Berlioz, Théodore Dubois; Duparc; Massenet; Saint-Saëns; Vierne); Sandrine Piau; Le Concert de la Loge; Julien Chauvin, director (Alpha Classics)
* Solo Vocal: Janáček - ''[[The Diary of One Who Disappeared]]'', ''Nursery Rhymes'', ''Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs''; Nicky Spence; Václava Housková; Victoria Samek; Julius Drake (Hyperion)
* Recording of the Year: Mieczysław Weinberg - Symphonies Nos 2 and 21; Gidon Kremer; Kremerata Baltica; City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra; Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, conductor (Deutsche Grammophon)
* Concept Album: ''From the Ground Up: The Chaconne''; Hugo Ticciati; o/modernt (Signum Classics)
* Beethoven 250 Award:  Beethoven – Piano Concertos Nos 2 and 5; Martin Helmchen; Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin; Andrew Manze, conductor (Alpha Classics)
* Young Artist of the Year: Natalya Romaniw
* Label of the Year: Alpha Classics
* Artist of the Year: Igor Levit
* Orchestra of the Year: The [[Philadelphia Orchestra]]
* Special Achievement: Robert von Bahr
* Lifetime Achievement: [[Itzhak Perlman]]

===2020 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards===
* RPS Gold Medal: John Williams<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/rps_today/news/2020-rps-awards-winners-announced | title=2020 RPS Awards winners announced | publisher= Royal Philharmonic Society | date=17 November 2020 | access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref>
* Chamber-Scale Composition: Naomi Pinnock, ''I am, I am''
* Concert Series & Events: Venus Unwrapped - Kings Place
* Conductor: [[Dalia Stasevska]]
* Ensemble: Scottish Ensemble
* Gamechanger: [[Jane Glover]]
* Impact: Sound Young Minds - [[City of London Sinfonia]]
* Inspiration: 
** Concerteenies
** Diocese of Leeds Schools Singing Programme
** Stay At Home Choir
** The Opera Story's Episodes
** #UriPosteJukeBox
** Virtual Benedetti Sessions
* Instrumentalist: Lawrence Power
* Large-Scale Composition: Frank Denyer - ''The Fish that Became the Sun'' (''Songs of the Dispossessed'')
* Opera & Music Theatre: ''The Turn of the Screw'' - [[Garsington Opera]]
* Singer: Natalya Romaniw
* Storytelling: Stephen Hough - ''Rough Ideas''
* Young Artists: Sheku Kanneh-Mason

===Ivors Composer Awards===
* Chamber Orchestral: Robin Haigh – ''Grin''
* Choral: [[Richard Blackford]] – ''Pietà''
* Community and Participation: Oliver Vibrans – ''More Up''
* Innovation – Yazz Ahmed
* Jazz Composition for Large Ensemble: Charlie Bates – ''Crepuscule''
* Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble: Renell Shaw – ''The Vision They Had''
* Large Chamber: [[Oliver Leith]] – ''Honey Siren''
* Large Orchestral: [[Jonny Greenwood]] – ''Horror vacui''
* Outstanding Works Collection: Cecilia McDowell
* Small Chamber: [[Daniel Fardon]] – ''Six Movements''
* Solo or Duo: Gareth Moorcraft – ''Diaries of the Early Worm''
* Sound Art: Kathy Hinde – ''Twittering Machines''
* Stage Works: [[Philip Venables]] – ''Denis & Katya''

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:2020 In classical music}}
[[Category:2020 in music|Classical]]
[[Category:Classical music by year]]
[[Category:Culture-related timelines by year]]