Hespèrion XXI, the renowned Spanish early music ensemble led by conductor/viola da gamba virtuoso Jordi Savall, has cancelled six U.S. and Canadian dates of a North American tour that began this week. According to statements from the group's U.S. representative, Savall and his colleagues feel that they face "a strong moral dilemma" with respect to performing in the United States during its invasion of Iraq, and several key members of the ensemble (which was to number six musicians for this tour) have refused to participate in an extended North American visit because of the uncertain state of the world and the perceived danger of air travel due to possible terrorist attacks.
The cancelled concerts were to be in Montreal (31 March and 1 April), Boston (4 April), New York (8 April), San Diego (11 April) and Berkeley, California (13 April). According to his representative, Savall hopes to reschedule these concerts next season, "when the world situation has settled down." Hespèrion XXI's performances of a different program, with a larger vocal/instrumental ensemble of 16, in Mexico City (tonight and last Monday) and Kansas City (Saturday 29 March) are proceeding as planned.
— Matthew Westphal
