National Symphony Orchestra cancels concerts in Japan due to coronavirus

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) canceled five upcoming performances in Japan during its tour in Asia due to coronavirus fears.

The orchestra canceled performances from March 6 to 11 in Fukui, Sakai, Hiroshima and Tokyo in a Thursday announcement, citing a recommendation from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calling for large cultural events to be canceled in the coming weeks, The Associated Press reported.

“After multiple consultations with officials at U.S. government agencies and recommendations from the Japanese government, it became clear that these evolving circumstances are beyond our control,” NSO Executive Director Gary Ginstling said in a statement, according to the AP.

The orchestra said in a Facebook post on Thursday that it is planning activities in the Washington, D.C., region in the coming weeks. 

Earlier this month, the NSO called off several March shows in Beijing and Shanghai due to concerns about the virus that has infected more than 83,000 people around the world. 

The NSO’s performances in Asia were part of its first international tour for the orchestra under Music Director Gianandrea Noseda.

Events, schools, businesses and more have shuttered since the coronavirus outbreak began in China late last year. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said this week that all of Japan’s elementary, junior high and high schools will be asked to close for nearly a month over fears surrounding the spread of the virus.

Facebook announced it is canceling its annual developer conference earlier this week, and Italy announced that it will cancel its Venice Carnival as well.