Impact of Covid-19: Without performances, orchestra musicians are switching jobs

Badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, the city’s musicians and singers have been struggling without a regular income and are forced to find new ways to earn.

Several music programmes have been cancelled as a result of the Covid restrictions, including orchestra nights, rendering thousands of instrumentalists and singers jobless.

The Karnataka Orchestra Artists Association has been trying to raise funds for musicians in need for the past few months.

Although the pandemic has been bad news across sectors, those involved in performing arts have hit rock-bottom.

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Local music bands that once earned Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per show during the pre-pandemic times are now struggling to find opportunities.

R Shankar, president of the Karnataka Orchestra Artists Association, said five lakh musicians across the state are struggling to make their ends meet. "Musicians and singers who received a minimum of Rs 3,000 per performance are now earning not more than Rs 1,000. Some artists have also committed suicide due to the financial crisis as they could not make ends meet," he said.

'No help from govt'

Despite pleas and protests, the state government did not pay heed to their calls for support, Shankar added. Musicians are now forced to switch jobs to ensure they can put food on the plate for their families.

“They are trying to set up petty shops, drive autos or do some small-scale business," he said.

The association is planning to hold musical performances in every district to raise funds in support of the artistes.

"We are aiming to raise a minimum of Rs 1 lakh from each show, which will help at least one artiste to start a new venture,” he added.