Somewhat predictably, Daniel Barenboim has withdrawn from the Staatskapelle Berlin's Brahms tour in the US and Canada citing health reasons.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin will step in to conduct the orchestra at Carnegie Hall and in Philadelphia. Lithuanian conductor Giedrė Šlekytė will make her Canadian debut leading the orchestra in Toronto, while Jakub Hrusa will take charge of the concerts in Chicago.