Cello-playing duo Kanneh-Mason unable to proceed with sold-out performance due to Air Canada refusing to allow cello onboard flight
The much-anticipated performance by the renowned Kanneh-Mason duo, consisting of Sheku and Isata, had to be cancelled due to a clash with Air Canada's cello policy. The incident occurred on a new, final flight into Toronto, following the cancellation of their original flight on another airline.
Air Canada's official policy treats large musical instruments, such as cellos, as checked baggage, subject to standard size, weight, and fee limits. Passengers generally cannot bring cellos as carry-on instruments. This policy has caused issues for professional cellists, including the Kanneh-Masons, who have faced difficulties or restrictions when traveling with their cellos, sometimes leading to concert cancellations or stressful travel experiences.
The Kanneh-Masons' 300-year-old cello, worth more than €3 million, was barred from boarding the Air Canada flight, despite a confirmed seat having been purchased for the instrument. This is not the first time the brothers have encountered such challenges with airlines' policies on traveling with their instruments. Last year, Sheku was denied boarding a British Airways flight with his 1700 Matteo Gofriller cello.
Air Canada's spokesperson contacted CBC News regarding the incident, stating that they are reviewing what happened, including why the cello was not successfully rebooked. Sheku has called for better airline protocol in the aftermath of the British Airways incident, and the duo has expressed their hope for a standardized, global approach to the carriage of precious instruments on airlines.
The cancelled concert in Toronto was set to include Mendelssohn cello sonatas, music by Fauré and Poulenc, and the Canadian premiere of a piece by Natalie Klouda. The duo, along with their fans, expressed their sadness about not being able to perform at Koerner Hall in Toronto.
The duo is working to find a new date to perform in Toronto next year. In the meantime, they continue to advocate for better treatment of musical instruments by airlines, highlighting the unique challenges faced by classical musicians in transporting their valuable instruments.
[1] Air Canada's policy on musical instruments: https://www.aircanada.com/en/aco/fly-with-us/before-you-fly/baggage/musical-instruments.html [2] Other airlines' policies on carrying cellos in the cabin: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/2017/03/01/how-travel-with-a-cello-on-a-plane/ [3] The challenges faced by musicians traveling with their instruments: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/mar/03/travelling-with-a-cello-on-a-plane-the-challenges-faced-by-musicians [4] Sheku Kanneh-Mason's experience with British Airways: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43658043
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