NZSO suspends all New Zealand shows amid COVID-19 pandemic

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is among the latest to suspend their events due to COVID-19 suspending all New Zealand shows including Napier.

All concert and associated NZSO activity has been suspended until May.

This is the latest in a series of events canclled and postponed after government advice to ban public events and mass gatherings over 500 people yesterday.

The NZSO was set to play Emperor in Napier on April 24.

"The NZSO will endeavour to reschedule each of the concerts to later dates. However, ticket holders will have the option of a refund if they wish. For ticket holders who can't exchange tickets but want to support the Orchestra, they can donate part or all of the value of their ticket to the NZSO," a statement read.

NZSO Interim Chief Executive Peter Biggs said the Orchestra's number one priority is the health and safety of its audiences players, staff and performing partners.

Most NZSO concerts have audiences of well over 500 people.

"The NZSO has been keeping a close eye every day on developments regarding COVID-19 and at every step following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.

"We will be rigorously following the Government's directive until it is lifted.

The NZSO is looking at including more live broadcasts of concerts and live streaming some performances on multiple platforms working with their strategic partner RNZ to make it happen.

NZSO subscribers will be contacted to discuss ticket options. All other ticket holders should contact the ticketing agency from where they purchased their tickets.