The Boston Symphony Orchestra regrets to announce the cancellation of their European tour to Vienna, Leipzig, Hamburg, and Paris, May 15–24. The cancellation is due to growing concerns over the recent rise in COVID-19 numbers in Europe and the United States and the potential for travel disruption during a multi-city overseas tour, as well as an increase in cases among the members of the orchestra and Tanglewood Festival Chorus following recent Symphony Hall performances.

The BSO’s European performances were to have been part of a unique Strauss-focused tour partnership with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig (GHO), May 9–31, under the direction of Andris Nelsons, who is the music director of both ensembles. The GHO’s performances will continue as scheduled.

Andris Nelsons, a conductor well-acquainted with Strauss, takes the podium with the Boston Symphony Orchestra—before conducting the  Gewandhausorchester Leipzig on 30 and 31 May—for two Straussian evenings including symphonic pieces and his Four Last Songs.