Exclusive: Airline refuses to board Sheku’s cello
NewsThe British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and his pianist sister Isata were obliged to cancel a recital at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory last night after a double disaster with international airlines.
They issued an apology to concertgoers, without naming the guilty airlines.
Dear everyone,
We are deeply sad to not be able to perform for you this evening. We had severe misfortune with the flights today, including a cancelled flight and denial of boarding with cello on another.
We really value all of your support and are committed to coming to Toronto as soon as possible to share our music with you.
We are so sorry to not be meeting you all this evening as we were really looking forward to it!
With love,
Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason
UPDATE: We name the guilty airline
It is their won fault for traveling close to the performance day. Come in 2-3 days prior and any delays are solved. I see this all the time with quartets who arrive 3 hours before the performance.
Your comment indicates your lack of knowledge of the music profession. These musicians are working – arriving 2 – 3 days in advance of their performances is money out of their pockets. They aren’t on holiday with a casual performing gig thrown in.
Firstly this is nothing to do with a delay, and secondly who will pay for the extra 2 or 3 nights accommodation and living expenses should they decide to come early?
Typical Air Canada incompetence.
Remember when BA (I think) refused to carry the instruments of the BSO returning home after a European tour. All hell broke loose until they relented. If the recital venue had been somewhere really prestigious, such as Carnegie Hall, would similar pressure quickly have been brought to bear?