{"id":46828,"date":"2017-08-24T13:35:39","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T17:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/?p=46828"},"modified":"2017-08-31T16:27:24","modified_gmt":"2017-08-31T20:27:24","slug":"the-scoop-toronto-orchestra-faces-public-relations-nightmare-after-fat-shaming-email-leaked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2017\/08\/24\/the-scoop-toronto-orchestra-faces-public-relations-nightmare-after-fat-shaming-email-leaked\/","title":{"rendered":"THE SCOOP | Toronto Orchestra Faces Public Relations Nightmare After Fat-Shaming Email Leaked"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"The
The Sheraton Cadwell Orchestra performs in Toronto in 2015 (Photo courtesy Sheraton Cadwell Orchestras)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cAll personnel take note\u2026Your image is our image. If you look good, we do too.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sheraton Cadwell Orchestras<\/span>, a Toronto-based group of orchestras, has raised the ire of the public after singers Sydney Dunitz and Amy Moodie released an email they received from the orchestra management. The email stated that the orchestra would only work with \u2018fit and slim\u2019 vocalists, and those who follow their conservative dress guidelines.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs per our highly selective casting requirements for vocal artists taking on a prominent leading role on stage, only singers who are physically fit and slim (or at the very least, those who know how to dress strategically\/suitably in order to not bring attention to their temporary physical\/dietary indulgences) would be showcased with our boutique orchestras.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Sheraton
Sheraton Cadwell Group’s memo to ensemble members (Photo courtesy Sydney Dunitz)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The email, which appears only to have been sent to only a small portion of members, goes on to mention that the rules do not apply to orchestra musicians, as they are, simply, \u201cwallpaper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sydney Dunitz wrote that she was \u201cabsolutely disgusted\u201d with the official position of the orchestra. Her post included a copy of the original email as well as her reply to her Facebook page<\/a><\/span>. It has since received 760 likes and 570 shares, reaching a potential audience of thousands of people.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026It is a personal opinion that ‘fit and slim’ is attractive, and it is also an opinion that people should be worried about dressing ‘strategically\/suitably in order to not bring attention to their temporary physical\/dietary indulgences,'” Dunitz wrote in her reply to Sheraton Cadwell Orchestras’ email.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany people struggle with weight, many suffer eating disorders, many are in the process of getting fit, many just plan to enjoy their bodies the way they are\u2026This email is bullying, it is dealing with well-recognized issues that many women have with their bodies. And that is not your area of expertise, it is your opinion, which I truly wish you had kept silent, as I am certain you have made someone feel terrible about themself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Dunitz's
Dunitz’s letter to Sheraton Cadwell Group (Photo courtesy Sydney Dunitz)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dunitz later updated her post to write that the company responded directly to her with a two sentence statement of apology:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is to acknowledge that your email has been met with much regret. We hope that you will accept our sincere apologies.\u201d<\/p>\n

The company\u2019s official dress code guidelines state that male and female vocal soloists should wear appropriate formal attire, and avoid black or white evening dress, but does not mention any other physical casting requirements.<\/p>\n

Though Dunitz addressed her email to General Manager, Andrew Chong, it is unclear who actually wrote the email.<\/p>\n