A Canadian concert violinist is cautioning instrumentalists and air passengers travelling with valuable items to be vigilant of tightened airport screening procedures following her unpleasant experience with security personnel at Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson Airport.
Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, a Mississauga native and alumna of the Royal Conservatory of Music, was en route to Brazil via Miami yesterday—the first day of enhanced security measures implemented at all Canadian airports for U.S.-bound flights. Toting her violin case as carry-on luggage, her instrument—of an unconfirmed value—was roughly handled at the security checkpoint.
“It was certainly busy at security and I saw a lot of people being asked to turn on their electronic devices,” Hou explained in detail to Musical Toronto. “When it came time for them to check my violin, I asked for the agent to ‘please be extremely gentle with this as it is a precious instrument.’ The agent did not seem to hear or pay attention to anything I said. I was asked to open up each compartment of the violin case, which I did, and then I was asked to take out the violin…at which point I said “could you please be very gentle with this and tell me what you will do before you do it? It is a delicate instrument and depending on what you need to do—if you need to touch the surface—I would need a special/private screening…” upon which the agent ran a hand-wand device over her violin. Hou notes that the device had a hard surface which came into direct contact with her instrument: the action was “definitely not ‘extremely gentle.’”
While there was no visible damage to the instrument, Hou explained that its fragile exterior could have been compromised. “It is unlikely that surface contact like that could damage the structure of the instrument, but it could easily damage the varnish or scratch the surface. These instruments are impossible to replace, and each instrument and player have a special connection and bond…they are hand made and unique.”
The Juilliard School graduate affirms that this was the first abrasive incident she’s experienced in her years of air travel with her violin. “I have been briefed by my insurance company to request special private screenings at security if they ask to open up and inspect the violin itself, and I have always been able to do so with ease. Yesterday was the first day of these new security measures so I am hopeful that this will remain a unique case.”
“My recommendation to all instrumentalists or travellers with precious items is to politely request a special or private screening if you are concerned at all,” Hou continued. “I trust security is still honouring that.”
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