National Symphony cancels concerts in China amid virus outbreak

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) canceled two concerts in Beijing and one in Shanghai after U.S. warnings discouraged travel to China amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The orchestra, directed by Gianandrea Noseda, would have performed in Beijing on March 13 and 14, with a final performance in Shanghai on March 17. The tour also features Chinese pianist Haochen Zhang, according to an Associated Press report. 

NSO executive director Gary Ginstling said, “between these logistical developments and the … health and well-being of our musicians and artists, it became clear to the NSO that its visit to China would not be possible,” following the U.S. State Department’s travel restrictions notice.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra canceled its February Asia tour last week, with scheduled stops including Seoul, South Korea; Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The latest reports regarding the infamous virus show infected cases have topped 20,000, and the death toll has surpassed 400 people in China. U.S. officials have reported that there are 11 confirmed cases in the U.S.