Cleveland Orchestra Cancels 3 Concerts Due To COVID-19 Fears

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Orchestra is cancelling its concerts scheduled for March 12-14. The orchestra's leaders said they were addressing concern over the spread of new coronavirus, COVID-19.

"The health and well being of our audience members, musicians, and staff are our highest priority, and we believe cancelling these concerts is the best course of action for our community and stakeholders. This decision, which was preceded by our decision not to go on our international tour next week, will have a significant negative financial impact for our orchestra," said André Gremillet, president and CEO of the orchestra.

Anyone who purchased tickets for a concert on March 12-14 has the following options:

• Exchange your tickets for a concert at a later date. All exchange fees will be waived. Call the ticket office at 216-231-2111 to make the exchange.
• Exchange your tickets for a gift certificate, which can be used at any time.
• Donate your tickets and receive a tax deduction for the total ticket value. Ticket donations can be made online, at clevelandorchestra.com/donatetickets.
• Get a refund for the value of the ticket.

Gremillet is asking patrons to consider donating tickets which they purchased for the three concerts to offset the loss of revenue. He said the orchestra would navigate these "challenges" and continue "to thrive because of the strength of the Northeast Ohio community."

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Any tickets purchased for performances between now and May 31 will have their exchange fees waived, the orchestra announced.

There are currently four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio. Three of the infected persons live in Cuyahoga County and the fourth infected person lives in Stark County, Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Wednesday afternoon. The infected Stark County resident is the first example of community spread in Ohio (meaning they had not traveled abroad or been in contact with someone who was known to carry COVID-19).