It’s like the punchline from a bad joke. Sister and brother classical music sensations Isata and Sheku Kanneh-Mason were forced to cancel their Toronto appearance last night, December 11, after a series of airline mishaps scuttled their travel plans.
The London, UK based siblings were set to depart yesterday morning, however their original flight was cancelled. One alternative flight was found with a timeline that would make it tight, but still feasible to perform at Koerner Hall by 8 p.m.
The problem? The airline refused to give them a third seat to accommodate Sheku’s cello.
The Royal Conservatory attempted to reason with the airline in question, but to no avail — even after approvals had been secured at various levels of the airline bureaucracy by phone, the gate agent simply decided to nix the idea at the last minute. The airline in question? Air Canada.
Air Canada & Cellos
It’s not the first time musicians, and cello players in particular, have had issues with Air Canada.
Back in 2015, Canada’s national airline announced an overhaul of its policies on passengers who travel with carry-on instruments.
Their current policy on musical instruments is somewhat complicated. If they can fit under the seat or into the overhead bin, they’re acceptable. The policy specifically mentions that if violins, guitars or violas (only) are slightly larger than the carry-on size requirements, and if space is available, they may still be accommodated.
Cellos are not mentioned, but the airline does have a policy of allowing a 50% discount for an extra seat purchased for an instrument larger than the carry-on guidelines. Arrangements, it stipulates, are to be made in advance.
- LvT published a guide on the steps necessary to get your cello on an Air Canada flight [HERE].
Postponed…
The recital has been postponed until June 3, 2025; find details about the rescheduled concert here.
The Kanneh-Mason siblings issued a statement.
“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”
The recital, which would have featured a program of Mendelssohn, Fauré, Natalie Klouda (in a Canadian premiere), and Francis Poulenc, will be rescheduled.
Here’s hoping there’s a cello-friendly airline out there that can get them to the city.
NB: The article has been amended to include the details of the rescheduled performance.
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