Kanneh-Masons forced to postpone Toronto concert due to travel misfortunes

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Sheku Kanneh-Mason has taken to social media to express his frustration with air travel for musicians, after a series of travel mishaps forced him and his sister to miss a concert in Toronto, Canada. The Kanneh-Masons are currently on tour in North America and were travelling after their Cincinnati engagement on 10 December.

’We were deeply saddened not to be able to perform for you at Koerner Hall last night,’ Kanneh-Mason posted.

’We had severe misfortune with the flights and tried our very best to reach you. First we had delays, then a cancellation, and the day concluded by being denied boarding with the cello – despite having a confirmed seat for it – on a new, final flight into Toronto.

’After nine anxious hours at the airport, we realised our journey wasn’t going to be possible.’

It is not the first occasion that Kanneh-Mason’s travel plans have been scuppered by air travel misfortunes. In September 2023, he was barred from a British Airways flight travelling from Bucharest to London Heathrow, despite having paid a separate ticket for his cello. He was forced to rebook on a new flight.

Kanneh-Mason is calling for a new approach for musicians travelling with instruments, no doubt influenced by his prior experiences.

’We can only dream of a time when all airlines have a standardised, global and carefully considered approach to the carriage of precious instruments that are booked to travel in the cabin.

’In the meantime, we are working hard to find a new date to come to Toronto next year and we both look forward to seeing you then.’

Kanneh-Mason’s predicament has attracted sympathy from his followers on social media: ’When will airlines arrive at a sensible policy! You had even booked a seat for your cello… Hope you were refunded,’ commented one follower.

’This is absolutely ridiculous,’ said another. ’Why can’t airlines agree on a policy and train people to implement it?’

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