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BSO Cancels East Asia Tour Over Coronavirus Concerns

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Boston Symphony Orchestra

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has canceled its February tour of East Asia, citing concerns about the new coronavirus. 

The BSO says its concerts in Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, and Hong Kong with conductor Andris Nelsons between February 6th and the 16th are off.

BSO President and CEO Mark Volpe tells WAMC the orchestra’s safety was of paramount importance, and the cancellation is disappointing.

“Given the uncertainty of what we’re learning about this virus and the spreading through China – the other consideration, candidly, is Shanghai, the venue we were going to be performing at, is closed until further notice," said Volpe. "In fact, probably through February at the very least. And the venue we were scheduled to play in Hong Kong has been closed since yesterday.”

The orchestra says it will attempt to reschedule the dates, and is exploring holding Boston events during the time of the scrapped tour.

Josh Landes has been WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief since February 2018, following stints at WBGO Newark and WFMU East Orange. A passionate advocate for Western Massachusetts, Landes was raised in Pittsfield and attended Hampshire College in Amherst, receiving his bachelor's in Ethnomusicology and Radio Production. His free time is spent with his cat Harry, experimental electronic music, and exploring the woods.
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