The Boston Symphony Orchestra cancels European dates due to COVID
BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Symphony Orchestra has canceled its European tour that was scheduled for next month due to an increase in positive coronavirus cases among orchestra members as well as concerns about the rising number of cases in two sides of the Atlantic.
Despite health and safety protocols that include mandatory vaccinations for all musicians and daily testing for wind and brass instrumentalists, as well as members of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, there have been 31 cases among musicians and choir members on stage following recent performances, the BSO said in a statement on Monday.
Rising cases in Europe could potentially disrupt travel during the tour, the BSO said.
The decision to cancel was made with “profound regret”, said BSO President and CEO Gail Samuel.
“Given the continued presence of COVID, brought home by its unfortunate impact on a significant number of our own artists, we must keep the health and safety of everyone involved with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as our first priority,” she said.
The BSO were due to visit Vienna, Leipzig, Hamburg and Paris in May in a Strauss-focused touring partnership with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, under the direction of Andris Nelsons, who is the musical director of both ensembles.
“I was deeply passionate and excited to share this international alliance – a musical and human connection between exceptional orchestras on two continents – with our audience,” Nelsons said. “I’m so sorry to all the presenters and audience members who looked forward to BSO’s performances, and to all the wonderful teams who put so much time and energy into making this dream a reality.”
The Boston Symphony Orchestra hopes to tour Europe when conditions permit, Samuel said.