LENOX, Mass. (AP) — The approaching Hurricane Irene has forced the first concert cancellation in the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s 75-year history at Tanglewood, its western Massachusetts concert venue.

The orchestra announced Saturday that it was cancelling its Sunday afternoon performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

The BSO said it became concerned about the safety of patrons, musicians and employees after Gov. Deval Patrick and the town of Stockbridge, near Tanglewood, declared a state of emergency, citing expected damaging winds and flooding rains. Irene is predicted to pass over western Massachusetts on Sunday.

The BSO said substitute tickets for a future event will be offered.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)