In light of the ongoing violence in the Gaza strip, The Cleveland Orchestra has decided to cancel its scheduled tour of Israel for October 2023. This decision means that the originally planned three concerts in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem will not take place.

The orchestra had intended to perform at the Haifa Auditorium on October 26, the Charles Bronfman Auditorium at the Tel Aviv Culture Center on October 27, and the Jerusalem Theatre on October 28. The British conductor Daniel Harding was initially set to lead these concerts, but now the orchestra's music director, Franz Welser-Möst, will conduct only two concerts in Austria, and the rest of the tour has been canceled.

The orchestra made this choice with the safety of its musicians and staff as a primary concern. This decision was made based on guidance from the State Department and in consultation with security advisors. The orchestra will still go ahead with its performances in Austria, with concerts in Vienna on October 18 and Linz on October 20.

The orchestra expressed its sympathy and concern for friends and family in Israel during this challenging time, wishing for their continued safety.