It’s just like the punchline from a nasty joke. Sister and brother classical music sensations Isata and Sheku Kanneh-Mason have been pressured to cancel their Toronto look final night time, December 11, after a sequence of airline mishaps scuttled their journey plans.
The London, UK based mostly siblings have been set to depart yesterday morning, nonetheless their unique flight was cancelled. One various flight was discovered with a timeline that will make it tight, however nonetheless possible to carry out at Koerner Corridor by 8 p.m.
The issue? The airline refused to offer them a 3rd seat to accommodate Sheku’s cello.
The Royal Conservatory tried to motive with the airline in query, however to no avail — even after approvals had been secured at varied ranges of the airline forms by telephone, the gate agent merely determined to nix the concept on the final minute. The airline in query? Air Canada.
Air Canada & Cellos
It’s not the primary time musicians, and cello gamers specifically, have had points with Air Canada.
Again in 2015, Canada’s nationwide airline introduced an overhaul of its insurance policies on passengers who journey with carry-on devices.
Their present coverage on musical devices is considerably difficult. If they’ll match below the seat or into the overhead bin, they’re acceptable. The coverage particularly mentions that if violins, guitars or violas (solely) are barely bigger than the carry-on dimension necessities, and if area is on the market, they might nonetheless be accommodated.
Cellos aren’t talked about, however the airline does have a coverage of permitting a 50% low cost for an additional seat bought for an instrument bigger than the carry-on pointers.
- LvT revealed a information on the steps essential to get your cello on an Air Canada flight [HERE].
Postponed…
The recital has been postponed till June 3, 2025; discover particulars concerning the rescheduled live performance right here.
The Kanneh-Mason siblings issued an announcement.
“Pricey everybody,
We’re deeply unhappy to not be capable of carry out for you this night. We had extreme misfortune with the flights right now, together with a cancelled flight and denial of boarding with cello on one other.
We actually worth all your help and are dedicated to coming to Toronto as quickly as potential to share our music with you.
We’re so sorry to not be assembly you all this night as we have been actually trying ahead to it!
With love,
Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason”
The recital, which might have featured a program of Mendelssohn, Fauré, Natalie Klouda (in a Canadian premiere), and Francis Poulenc, will probably be rescheduled.
Right here’s hoping there’s a cello-friendly airline on the market that may get them to the town.
NB: The article has been amended to incorporate the main points of the rescheduled efficiency.
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Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto Metropolis Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an skilled freelance author, blogger and writing teacher.