Cleveland Orchestra Cancels Overseas Trip Due To Coronavirus

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Orchestra canceled its trip to Europe and Abu Dhabi because of concerns over the new coronavirus, officials announced Monday. Orchestra leaders said the health and safety of musicians and staff prompted the change in travel plans.

The orchestra was set to visit Austria, Italy and France in March and Abu Dhabi in March and April. Among the cities the orchestra planned to were are Vienna, Paris and Linz. There were more than 7,300 confirmed cases of coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in Italy as of midday Monday and more than 1,200 confirmed cases in France, Johns Hopkins University reported.

“The health and well-being of our musicians, staff and patrons are our absolute priority,” said André Gremillet, president and CEO of The Cleveland Orchestra. “Ongoing coronavirus news reports have generated questions and concerns for all of us regarding the upcoming tour."

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Orchestra officials are continuing to monitor the coronavirus. The spread of the virus overseas, and its threat in the United States, spurred the trip's cancellation, Gremillet said. More than 360 people have died from COVID-19 in Italy, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently warned Americans against traveling to Italy. The agencies said travelers should avoid all nonessential trips to Italy because of the coronavirus.

"We are very disappointed we won’t be able to perform due to circumstances out of our control, and we very much appreciate the understanding of everyone involved, especially our audiences and presenting partners for this tour," Gremillet added. "We are looking at the possibility of rescheduling some of these concerts at a future date."

The Cleveland Orchestra's revised schedule for March will be announced in coming days.

There were currently 565 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the United States as of midday Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University, and 22 people have died from the virus. COVID-19 is most widespread in Washington, California and New York.

More than 250 Ohioans are currently being monitored by officials, but no one has tested positive for the virus. Four people are currently awaiting test results.