The organizer of a Shanghai Chinese Orchestra concert in Costa Mesa has canceled the event, citing “an abundance of caution” over coronavirus despite no evidence that the musicians or potential audience members represent any threat to pubic health.
The Philharmonic Society of Orange County, which canceled the Wednesday night Chinese New Year celebration at Segerstom Center for the Arts, responded to inquiries from The Times with an emailed statement that blamed “conflicting public health statements” as a reason for the decision, even though orchestra members had been touring in the United States in good health since Jan. 20. The orchestra played all six of its other shows in its tour, including stops at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.
“The success of these concerts relies heavily on the support, attendance and promotion by our local community,” wrote Jean Hsu, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Philharmonic Society. “As they are currently subject to many conflicting public health statements, many of our Chinese cultural and community partners have canceled their own events and have informed us that they will not encourage large gatherings of their members.
The Philharmonic Society did not respond to repeated Times requests for more details, including which community groups had expressed concerns and whether the orchestra was still receiving compensation for the scheduled performance.
“We just got a notice that the show was canceled. We can’t comment,” said a representative who declined to be identified and ended a call without elaboration.
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