Both the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra announced in early February that they changed course for plans to tour in Asia due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) canceled its entire Asian tour, which was scheduled to include performances in Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The orchestra replaced the tour with concerts at home in Boston, including a complimentary performance, “Concert for Our City,” at Symphony Hall, as well as community performances at schools, homeless shelters, and hospitals. BSO musicians are represented by Local 9-535 (Boston, MA).

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) canceled three concerts in China that were planned for March. The orchestra will carry on plans to tour Japan, giving concerts in five Japanese cities, including Hiroshima, marking 75 years since the end of World War II. NSO musicians are represented by Local 161-710 (Washington, D.C.).

The U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control have issued advisories against travel to China, and most major airlines have canceled flights to China.