Aftershocks of Dallas Symphony’s shameful exit

It has emerged that the shocking decision by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to cancel a Europe tour ‘for security reasons’ was taken without consultation with the musicians or with their music director.

Jaap van Zweden has responded in diplomatic terms: ‘As an individual, I continue to travel around the world for my various conducting engagements. However, I respect the decision that has been made, as the safety of our DSO musicians and our extended touring group is primary.’

The musicians, however, are furious that a long-awaited trip has been scratched and that the first they heard of it was on Slipped Disc. The DSO seems to have forgotten that the music it produces is made by musicians. Failure to involve them in important decision can only be detrimental to organisational well-being.

There will be internal trouble ahead for DSO President and CEO Jonathan Martin. But it will pale in comparison with the scorn that will greet Dallas next time it tries to book an overseas engagement. Martin and his board have locked the Dallas Symphony in a self-enclosed ghetto.