It seems an endless tale of woe for musicians beleaguered for traveling with their valuable instruments on planes. But according to one of Canada’s premiere contemporary music ensembles, the Bozzini Quartet, trains are just as difficult.
On Tuesday, May 27th, en route between Montreal and Toronto, the quartet were confronted by VIA Rail Canada staff for travelling with their cello. They had originally purchased a special seat for the cello to ensure they didn’t have to check it. However, after boarding the train, they were informed that in the event of an emergency, the cello could become a “projectile,” and it must therefore be checked as luggage.
The group was heading to Toronto present a concert at Toronto’s Gallery 345, on Wednesday, May 28th.
Violinist Clemens Merkel, stated on his Facebook page that the only alternative was that it would need to be placed in a special storage compartment, with a maximum liability of $250, well under the value of the cello.
According to Via Rail Canada: “As a preventive measure and for safety reasons, musical instruments must be checked (larger instruments, for example, cello, drums, etc.)… The instruments must be in rigid containers, the owner must fill out and sign a liability clause on baggage check, VIA has limited liability (not to exceed $250) in respect of checked baggage.”
Three of the four quartet members were also charged an additional $20 for having luggage weighing more than 18 kilograms.
[pl_blockquote cite=”Clemens Merkel”] “I think travelling by train is the most civilized way to get from A to B. However, as a musician in Canada you should avoid it. It has become worse than travelling by plane.” [/pl_blockquote]
Since the incident, the group have given the cello the nickname: “projectile.”
Michael Vincent