NYT: Violinist Cancels Recital Over Detroit Strike Tension

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/arts/music/12chang.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

By DANIEL J. WAKIN
Published: October 11, 2010

Sarah Chang, internationally known violin soloist, meet Detroit, union town.


Roberto Serra - Iguana Press/Getty Images

Sarah Chang canceled a recital after sharp reaction on Facebook and elsewhere.


Ms. Chang waded into a strike at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, agreeing last week to play a recital on Monday presented by the orchestra’s management. But she backed out over the weekend when orchestra members, musicians’ union leaders and players around the country complained.

“My original intention to bring music to the community has been derailed, and I have been unwillingly drawn into an inner dispute that does not appropriately involve me,” she said in a statement on Sunday. She was flying from Detroit to California on Monday for a concert and could not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The incident quickly acquired an ugly tone, further poisoning relations between management and the players, who went on strike on Oct. 4.

Both sides said the issue was exacerbated by social media.

The orchestra’s management cited what it said were harassing words and threats among the denunciations posted over the weekend on Facebook pages set up by Chang fans and by the orchestra, and in e-mail and phone messages sent to Ms. Chang, 29, herself.

FULL story at link.