Coronavirus: Hong Kong Philharmonic reviews infection controls as quarantined musician criticises previous ‘inconsiderate’ approach
- Quarantined musician says orchestra could have taken a better approach to avoiding close contact between musicians
- Philharmonic representative says company is consulting relevant parties on its infection control measures
More than 90 members of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra who performed on the same stage were identified as close contacts and put in quarantine at Penny’s Bay on Lantau Island.
One musician with the orchestra, who wished to remain anonymous, said management had been “inconsiderate” by pushing ahead with a large performance.
“We could’ve started with smaller pieces; that would reduce a lot of the risk,” the source said. “Instead they made us play this huge piece that involves everybody from the orchestra. They even hired subs from outside who … are here in quarantine as well. It’s just very inconsiderate.”
Bass clarinettist Lorenzo Antonio Iosco, 35, who performed on October 9 and 10 in the concert hall of the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, was confirmed to be infected last Thursday.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui Ying-wai both attended the first concert, but have since tested negative.