Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason Cancel Toronto Concerts After Air Canada Troubles

The concert has been re-scheduled for June 2025 after Air Canada would not provide a seat for the cello

The sibling cello-piano duo of Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason reluctantly canceled their sold-out Toronto appearance at Koerner Hall on December 11, after Air Canada refused to transport Sheku Kanneh-Mason's cello.

The Kanneh-Masons ran into difficulty after their initial flight was canceled. A suitable alternative was arranged, but Air Canada refused to offer a third seat for Sheku's instrument, despite pleas over the phone from Toronto's The Royal Conservatory —which was organizing the concert.

The appearance has been rescheduled for June 3, 2025.

Canadian publication Ludwig Van noted that Air Canada has a particular history of penalizing cellists at the boarding gate, with a 2017 Kremerata Baltica incident representing just one example of this problem.

Cellos are not mentioned by name in the airline's policy, whereas violins, violas, and guitars are accommodated.

Previously, Kanneh-Mason criticized British Airways for a similar issue, in which he had to purchase a further ticket for his cello at triple the price — despite the fact that he had already booked a seat for the instrument in his original booking.

In a call for a consistent airline policy on instrument handling, Kanneh-Mason noted that his issues are merely the tip of the iceberg, and that airline frustrations are much more damning for freelance musicians with tight budgets.

"We were deeply saddened not to be able to perform for you at Koerner Hall last night," the siblings said in a statement. "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 realized our journey wasn't going to be possible."

"We can only dream of a time when all airlines have a standardized, 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."