Symphony of silence: the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Philharmonic Bands in Portugal +

Abstract

Philharmonic bands constitute a vital element of Portuguese culture, playing a central role in cultural dynamism, particularly in the country's peripheral spaces. The central objective of this exploratory study is to analyse the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Portuguese philharmonic bands. To this end, a questionnaire was created and distributed among philharmonic bands in Portugal, and so far, 350 responses have been obtained. The first results reveal enormous challenges for the survival of these associations given the withdrawal of a significant number of members, who are now disengaged and unmotivated, which is reflected in the associations' performance, recruitment and financial stability. The results also highlight the strong need for institutional support and new strategies for the sustainability and continuity of these associations.