Reopening the Bavarian State Opera Safely: Hygiene Strategies and Incidence of COVID-19 in Artistic Staff During Theater Season 2020/2021

Graf, Simone; Engelmann, Luca; Wölfler, Olivia Jeleff; Albrecht, Inka; Schloderer, Matthias P.; Kramer, Anneke; Klankermayer, Lucia; Gebhardt, Friedemann; Chaker, Adam; Spinner, Christoph D.; Schwab, Roland; Wollenberg, Barbara; Protzer, Ulrike; Hoffmann, Dieter

doi:10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.11.012

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Measures to prevent transmission during singing such as virtual rehearsals/performances, face masks, reducing choir size, performing outside, optimized ventilation, physical distance, shorter rehearsals, regularly cleaning of surfaces and washing hands, or temperature screening were implemented at Domspatzen as scientifically suggested ( 15 , 16 ). However, some of these measures are apt to compromise the quality of choir music and to impact significantly on the life of choir boys.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of infection control measures towards preventing SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in a German choir boarding school from March 2020 to April 2022

Lampl,

Schöberl,

Atzenbeck

et al. 2023

Front. Pediatr.

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BackgroundSinging in a choir was associated with larger outbreaks in the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Materials and methodsWe report on the effect and acceptance of various infection control measures on the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the world famous Domspatzen boys' choir from March 2020 to April 2022.ResultsIn addition to basic general hygiene measures, systematic rRT-PCR testing and scientifically approved concepts of distancing during singing were applied. While single infections of choir members could not be avoided, singing-related outbreaks were not observed. Until the Omicron variant emerged, potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the school was limited to only one case. Incidences at the school were never higher than in the comparable general population until then. While the impact of the pandemic on daily life and singing was rated as severe, especially by staff members, most students agreed with the usefulness of protection measures and rated them as acceptable. Students viewed regular testing as the most important tool to increase safety in the school.DiscussionA bundle of infection control measures including regular testing can prevent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 even in the setting of choir singing. Measures are acceptable for choir members if they allow to continue with singing and performing.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of infection control measures towards preventing SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in a German choir boarding school from March 2020 to April 2022

Lampl,

Schöberl,

Atzenbeck

et al. 2023

Front. Pediatr.

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“…This applies only to this cohort, not to all members of all ensembles and, therefore, this study does not show representative results for any ensemble. For example, at the Bavarian State Opera, there were 61 infected persons with some clusters [ 16 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The scientific evidence on the risk of infection during ongoing performance activities remains sparse and is mainly based on airflow measurements of wind instruments, aerosol visualizations in players and singers, and individual reports of infections after choir rehearsals. From September 2020 to July 2021, an exploratory study at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich used elaborated hygiene management approach and found artistic work at and reopening feasible with a well-controlled risk [ 16 ]. Epidemiological studies on the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections under real pandemic conditions during musical activities are so far lacking.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 infections in professional orchestra and choir musicians—a prospective cohort study

et al. 2022

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, rehearsal and concert activities of professional orchestras and choirs were severely restricted based on the assumption of particularly high infection risks associated with wind instruments and singing. Therefore, our primary objective was to determine the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in orchestra and choir musicians compared to controls. We also assessed influenza, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, and course of illness. Musicians from professional orchestras and choirs and controls from 23 institutions throughout Germany were included in a prospective cohort study. Data were collected from October 2020 to June 2021 by weekly online surveys. A mixed-effects cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the effect of exposure by professional activity on SARS-CoV-2 infection. In 1,097 participants (46.7 years (SD 10.3); 46.8% female; 705 orchestra, 154 choir, and 238 control subjects) 40 SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred. Cases per person-years were 0.06 in orchestras, 0.11 in choirs, and 0.03 in controls. Hazard ratios compared to controls were 1.74 (95% CI 0.58 to 5.25, p = 0.320) for orchestra musicians and 2.97 (0.87 to 10.28, p = 0.087) for choir singers. Infection source was suspected predominantly in private contexts. Disease courses were mild to moderate. Other respiratory infections were reported in 6.1% of study weeks in orchestras, 10.1% in choirs, and 8.0% in controls. Sick leave days of total study days were 0.5, 2.1 and 1.3%, respectively. This epidemiologic study during the pandemic in professional musicians indicates no increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections in orchestra musicians and a trend towards increased risk in choir singers compared to controls. However, the exact routes of infection could not be validated. If appropriate hygiene concepts are adhered to, safe orchestra and choir activity appears possible in pandemic times.

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“…The need to collaborate in a virtual space thus arose in the midst of these circumstances. (Graf, et al, 2021). Under these circumstances, the Greek National Opera, which has already been undergoing a digitalisation process for 6 years, is making efforts to introduce VR to its live spectacles such as the Opera Theatre and during the rehearsal phase, which became necessary during the successive closures.…”

Section: The Greek National Opera As a Space For Experimentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A collaborative Virtual Reality platform for Opera Rehearsal: Designing for performing arts

Parthenios,

Karagianni,

Geropanta

et al. 2023

Proceedings of the 41st International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eC

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Virtual Reality (VR) has made dynamic inroads into the performing arts world and has accelerated dramatically over time . Many Opera Theaters have used VR to bring new audiences into the Opera, to produce special content suitable for VR, and to create the ground for new learning experiences. Lately VR is also used to improve opera workflows to improve productivity and efficiency, but is rarely used as a tool for pre premiere rehearsals. This research considers how VR may be used to transform traditional opera work preparations into an immersive, interactive, and work experience and presents the methodology for the implementation of a collaborative VR Rehearsal Platform. In partnership with the Greek National Opera and the Digital Media Lab, several focus groups that consist of opera professionals and researchers collaborate, to develop a digital world where the directors, soloists, conductors, stage designers, light designers and chorus masters collaborate as if being on the stage. Inside the VR environment with the optimized models of the sets imported in pieces as library objects, ready to be altered, switched or saved for reuse enriched with light renderings and textures. The findings assert the importance of creating an immersive experience for all key players to mitigate the difficulties that stand in the preparation of any opera play such as luck of rehearsals on the final sets, control and safe implementation of stage and light design, last minute changes in materials or opera set parts among others. As a result it is suggested that the VR Rehearsal platform Operas can enhance key player collaboration ahead of time, improve their environmental impact and budget by eliminating flight travel for rehearsals, reducing raw materials, waste and mistakes, and use the platform for educational purposes.

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Reopening the Bavarian State Opera Safely: Hygiene Strategies and Incidence of COVID-19 in Artistic Staff During Theater Season 2020/2021

Cited by 3 publications

References 42 publications

Effects of infection control measures towards preventing SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in a German choir boarding school from March 2020 to April 2022

Effects of infection control measures towards preventing SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in a German choir boarding school from March 2020 to April 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infections in professional orchestra and choir musicians—a prospective cohort study

A collaborative Virtual Reality platform for Opera Rehearsal: Designing for performing arts

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