Sarah Chang Cancels Detroit Recital In The Middle Of Musician’s Strike
Violinist Sarah Chang cancelled a Monday recital at Detroit’s Ochestra Hall. She said that she received a citing criticism and intimidating e-mail after being “unwillingly drawn into” a strike started by the musicians of Detroit. She was invited last week to perform in the recital. The invitation was given to her when the Detroit Symphony Orchestra had canceled its concert meant for opening the season. It has canceled the season-opening concert because its unionized musicians had started a strike to protest the proposed cuts from their salaries.
Sarah Chang is a 29-year old former child prodigy. ‘I have been unwillingly drawn into an inner dispute that does not involve me’, She said in a statement that was posted yesterday on the symphony’s website… She also said, “while it has always been my deepest wish to fulfill my musical contribution to the city of Detroit, I will sadly be withdrawing from my recently announced recital. My original intention to bring music to the community has been detailed.”
The president of Symphony President and Chief Executive, Anne Parsons, called the criticism of Chang as “harassment”. She said “those responsible should be held accountable. We are appalled at the treatment and criticism she has received for agreeing to appear at the DSO. We look forward to the opportunity to present her to our Detroit community in the future, the other innocent victims of these unethical tactics.”
I’ve seen a couple of other media accounts of the Chang cancellation which indicate that neither Parsons, nor Chang, nor Chang’s management, were able to identify any truly threatening messages. Sarah Chang did receive hundreds of messages asking her not to play this concert, most of them polite and respectful, evidently a few forceful, but none, as far as anyone knows, seriously hostile. She also received hundreds of messages thanking her for the decision to cancel. She realized that she was a musician (a great one), about to cross a musicians’ picket line…and did not do it.
I completely agree with you. She is a great musician. She has some responsibilities towards her fellow musicians. Her supporting their protest, in whichever way possible for her, is surely an act of appreciation. We need such understanding and supportive individuals in the industry.
I agree with CRason. Chang was put into this situation by her management and likely also the DSO. Chang did the right thing, just a bit too late.
I should hope that honest entreaties in the name of reason and solidarity aren’t confused with reprehensible criticism and outright threats. Please focus on your task, Ms. Parsons, and allow the kind of culture to flow out of Detroit that we know can.