“Cellist Yo-Yo Ma is bowing out of the Fort Worth Symphony’s in-person Gala Concert next month as a COVID-19 pandemic precaution,” writes Stephanie Allmon Merry in Monday’s (1/25) Fort Worth Culture Map (TX). “The FWSO announced January 22 that Ma would be replaced by pianist Yuja Wang at the annual fundraising concert, which precedes a black-tie dinner February 20 at Dickies Arena. ‘Yo-Yo Ma committed to headlining our 2021 gala prior to the pandemic. For his own health and safety, Ma has canceled all live performances where travel is required,’ FWSO president and CEO Keith Cerny said in an email January 25…. ‘While we are disappointed, we certainly understand and respect his decision.’ Ma, 65, resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is still making virtual appearances…. FWSO is proceeding with a live event…. Eric Jacobsen will conduct…. FWSO has been playing in-person concerts since last fall, limiting attendance and taking other safety precautions.… By moving the [gala] to the 14,000-seat Dickies Arena and reformatting slightly, FWSO feels confident they can present the gala safely…. ‘Since the event is at Dickies Arena, the FWSO will be adhering to their health and safety guidelines,’ says FWSO spokesman Jeff Cheatham.”
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