The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra has cancelled its performances of Mahler 5 and Thomas Adès’ Violin Concerto scheduled for tonight (March 15) and tomorrow, as part of the Adelaide Festival, because a member of the ASO team has had to self-isolate due to the coronavirus.

Photograph courtesy of ASO

The orchestra’s Managing Director Vincent Ciccarello has issued a statement in which he says: “Late last night, I was informed that a member of the ASO team may have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). That ASO team member is now in isolation.”

“As I am unable to establish with complete certainty that there is no risk to ASO staff, musicians and our audience, and out of an abundance of caution, it is with regret that I have no choice but to cancel the performances…”

“Nicholas Carter, Anthony Marwood and the musicians of the ASO are bitterly disappointed, as are all of us at the ASO,” said Ciccarello. “Obviously we are operating in a very fluid situation and we look forward to presenting concerts again before long.”

Ciccarello has encouraged ticket holders to support the orchestra by exchanging their tickets...