December 13th 2024.
Renowned British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who gained widespread recognition after his stunning performance at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, recently faced a disappointing setback during his North American winter tour. Along with his sister, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, the pair had been eagerly anticipating their concert in Toronto on Wednesday, but unfortunately had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
In a joint statement shared on social media, the siblings expressed their deep sadness at not being able to perform for their fans in Canada's largest city. They explained that after experiencing multiple delays and a cancelled flight, they were then denied boarding on their final flight into Toronto – despite having a confirmed seat for Sheku's cello. After hours of waiting at the airport, they realized that their journey was no longer possible.
The duo also expressed their hope for a future where all airlines have a standardized and carefully considered approach to transporting delicate instruments like Sheku's cello. They even tagged Air Canada's social media handle in their post, indicating their disappointment with the airline's handling of the situation.
CNN reached out to Air Canada for comment, but has not received a response yet. According to Sheku's website, his cello – which is on loan to him – was crafted by renowned Venetian luthier Matteo Goffriller in 1700 and is worth €3 million. The siblings have been working to secure a new concert date for next year and are determined to continue sharing their musical talents with the world.
However, this is not the first time Sheku has faced challenges when traveling with his cello. In a statement to CNN, his management expressed their frustration with the inconsistency and lack of training among booking systems and ground staff at airports. They also mentioned the need for constructive discussion with the airline industry in order to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Despite the disappointment and inconvenience, Sheku and Isata remain passionate about their music and are determined to continue sharing it with the world. Sheku, who began playing the cello at the age of six, gained international recognition at the young age of 19 after his captivating performance at the royal wedding in 2018. Along with his talented siblings, they are part of a musically gifted family from Nottingham, England, who have all mastered the piano, cello, or violin.
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