Violinist Cancels Recital At Orchestra Hall

Violinist Sarah Chang has canceled a recital scheduled for Monday at Detroit's Orchestra Hall, citing criticism and intimidating e-mails during a strike by Detroit musicians.

Chang was invited to perform in the recital last week after the Detroit Symphony Orchestra canceled its season-opening concerts because its unionized musicians were on strike to protest proposed pay cuts.

The 23-year-old former child prodigy said in a statement posted Monday on the symphony's website that she has been "unwittingly drawn into an inner dispute that does not appropriately involve me.''

"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,'' Chang said in the statement.  "My original intention to bring music to the community has been derailed.''

Symphony spokeswoman Elizabeth Twork said Monday that critical comments had been posted on Chang's website and that the performer had received intimidating e-mails.

DSO Musician Union Spokesman Hayden McCay said most of the messages came from those in the music community. 

"I certainly hope that no one threatened Sarah Chang. That would completely wrong," he said.

"She was hearing from people she knew -- from people who are in the same profession. She was not receving, you know, annonomous messages as far as I can tell. I think if anything made her change her mind it was the words of people who do the same thing she does who might understand what the implications of playing a replacement concert would be," McCay said.

Pickets by striking musicians began Oct. 4. Management implemented a 33 percent base pay cut for orchestra veterans in the first year of the new contract. Musicians had offered a 22 percent reduction.

McKay said Friday that members were planning to picket outside Chang's performance.

In a statement at the weekend, Chang expressed a desire to honor her commitment and perform works by Brahms and Franck as planned. She said she had asked that proceeds from ticket sales go to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Musician Pension Fund. She was to have been accompanied by pianist Robert Koenig.

But the statement Monday said the recital would not go ahead.

"I wish my friends and colleagues in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and its management a speedy resolution,'' said Chang, who is not a member of the Detroit union.

Symphony President and Chief Executive Anne Parsons called the criticism of Chang  "harassment'' and 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,'' according to Parsons' statement on the symphony's Web site.  "We look forward to the opportunity to present her to our Detroit community in the future, the other innocent victims of these unethical tactics.''

Meanwhile, as the strike enters its second week, the musicians say they will try to keep the music going. They're planning to hold a concert October 24 at Christ Church Cranbrook. Concert series details and ticket information is available at this link.

(Copyright, 2010. WWJ Newsradio 950, All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)