Orchestra group under fire after suggesting only ‘fit’ vocalists can perform
TORONTO — A Toronto organization providing live musical entertainment for events came under fire after an email from its management suggested it would only feature vocalists who are “fit and slim” in its boutique orchestras.
Sydney Dunitz, who said she has worked as a volunteer vocalist with Sheraton Cadwell Orchestras for about five years, said she received the email on Monday night and posted a screen shot of it on Facebook, where it has since been shared more than 600 times.
“It has been brought to our attention that although almost all of our vocalists are fit and slim — the way our boutique orchestras would like our front line performing artists to be — two of our featured singers were not,” the email Dunitz received said.
“Kindly note that for all future shows … only singers who are physically fit and slim (or, at the very least, those who know how to dress strategically/suitably in order to not bring attention to their temporary physical/dietary indulgences) would be showcased with our boutique orchestras.”