Homophobia has reared its head in the classical music world via Florida. Sadly, it’s not the punchline of a joke.
Pensacola Christian College in Florida cancelled an appearance last weekend by the renowned choral group The King’s Singers, “upon learning that one of the artists openly maintained a lifestyle that contradicts Scripture”. Their statement of February 13 was posted to Twitter.
— Pensacola Christian College (@ConnectPCC) February 14, 2023
The King’s Singers are currently on a North American tour that will hit Toronto on February 16, along with appearances in Montréal last night, as well as London on February 17, and in the Ottawa Chamberfest the following day.
The King’s Singers issued a statement in response to the cancellation.
“We are deeply saddened that our concert at Pensacola Christian College was cancelled at two hours’ notice on Saturday, February 11th,” it begins.
They note that the institution, which the Singer’s have performed at more than once in the past, and recognize as a fundamentalist Christian college, mentioned the “lifestyle” of one of the ensemble’s members as the reason.
“Our belief is that music can build a common language that allows people with different views and perspectives to come together.”
The full text is available from their Twitter feed.
Sharing information here about the short-notice cancellation of our recent concert in Florida: pic.twitter.com/J8RxfN2147
— The King’s Singers (@kingssingers) February 13, 2023
In a sad sort of irony, the program for their current tour is titled Finding Harmony, which spotlights music that has helped people through times of oppression and adversity.
Tickets to their Toronto performance are on sale here.
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Anya Wassenberg is a Senior Writer and Digital Content Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an experienced freelance writer, blogger and writing instructor with OntarioLearn.
