Detroit Symphony Condemns Racial Slur Shouted By Audience Member During Jazz Concert
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra issued a statement condemning an incident that took place Friday night in which an audience member reportedly shouted a racial slur during a performance of "A Charlie Brown Christmas: Cyrus Chestnut & Friends" at Detroit's Orchestra Hall.
"The DSO is deeply disappointed by an incident that took place towards the end of Friday night’s concert when an audience member shouted a racial slur," said a statement on the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Facebook page. "Racism and bigotry have no place in Orchestra Hall, and behavior like this is unacceptable. We are currently investigating and will enact a permanent ban once we identify the ticketholder."
The concert was part of the Detroit Symphony's Paradise Jazz Series.
"Live music is a profoundly human experience that taps into our emotions and provides us all with a sacred space for listening," said the symphony's statement. "We apologize that this space was violated. We appreciate our audiences so much and hope to see you back at Orchestra Hall soon."
Many people responded to the statement, including audience member Matt Totsky, who said, "Last night, I attended a truly amazing concert. In many ways, it was something I’ve waited my whole life to see. Unfortunately - for a brief moment - it also contained one of the most appalling and disgusting public incidents I’ve ever witnessed first-hand. It was shocking and disturbing and when it happened, the crowd let out a collective gasp. The band paused for about half a second and then carried on and continued to take us on a magical, musical journey. When they finished, they received a standing ovation and because they were classy professionals, they carried on with the rest of the performance like nothing had happened."
Other commenters who had been at the concert reported in Facebook comments that the incident was so shocking, it "was like being punched" but that the audience responded with support and solidarity for the musicians.
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Replies
I am not sure this was a wise reaction. By issuing this statement and threatening an investigation they are letting everybody who was not in the hall know what happened.
This kind of publicity may be exactly what the perpetrator is craving. People will come up with defenses of Free Speech and other "anti woke" BS.
~ AMEN to ALBRECHT ZUMBRUNN ~
Thank You Albrecht Zumbrunn, for courageously pointing out The Truth
of such an assault. Now, as written DSO must Shush Up re 'Crappolla' ...
........ Elisabeth Anne Matesky .......
Apologies Music Lovers in DSO & Audience
*signed with FB Signature *
Fwd dmg
The entire audience heard this verbal assault; to ignore it would be irresponsible. I’m glad the DSO is not sweeping it under the rug.
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December 11, 2022 at 04:54 AM · What led this misguided soul to attend the concert?