Editor’s note: Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Pittsburgh Symphony announced Friday morning it is postponing concerts scheduled for the next two weekends.

There is an old saying in show business: “The show must go on.” And that’s what is happening in parts of Pittsburgh, at least for now.

With concern over the spread of the coronavirus inspiring precautions across the country, some key cultural venues are keeping their lights on this weekend while putting certain conditions in place.

The Pittsburgh Symphony is going ahead with this weekend’s scheduled performances of Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.

However, Maestro Jakub Hrusa has withdrawn as conductor in order to return to his family in the Czech Republic, as a result of the Czech government’s response to the covid-19 pandemic. Daniel Meyer will fill in for this weekend’s concerts and soloist Alina Ibragimova will continue as scheduled.

Meyer became available on short notice after the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra postponed its concert this weekend, which Meyer had been scheduled to conduct.

In a letter to patrons, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra president and CEO Melia Tourangeau said the symphony is closely monitoring covid-19 developments and is prepared to alter its procedures. She also stated that Heinz Hall has increased the frequency and extent of its cleanings and that all ticket exchange fees will be waived until May 30.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust issued a statement that all Trust presentations, including “The Band’s Visit” at the Benedum Center, will go on as scheduled this weekend and that there will be “intensified cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces” at the theater.

But some other popular institutions are pulling back. Late Thursday night, Pittsburgh Public Theater decided to cancel performances of “American Son,” which opened March 5 and was set to run through April 5.

Lou Castelli, managing director of the Downtown Pittsburgh theater, said earlier in the day that the production would continue but that “we continue to follow the advice of public health and government officials as we implement measures as necessary, with the understanding that the safety of our staff and guests is of paramount importance.”

Across town on the South Side, City Theatre also announced late Thursday night that its production of “Cry It Out” would not go on as planned this weekend. The production opened Feb. 29 and was set to close March 22. Earlier in the day, a statement on its website said, “City Theatre is actively monitoring the impact of covid-19 on our community. As information becomes available we will communicate any changes.”

Prime Stage Theatre’s production of “The Outsiders” will go on as scheduled this weekend at the New Hazlett Theater Center for Performing Arts on the North Side.

However, this weekend’s installment of Bricolage Production Company’s popular WordPlay series, which had been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, has been cancelled.

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