Reneging by Georgia Blindsides Orchestra
The Republic of Georgia canceled an invitation to the New York Philharmonic just weeks before it was to visit, the Philharmonic said on Friday. The called-off performances will cost the orchestra hundreds of thousands of dollars, and they add another setback to its efforts to be a world-traveling band.
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In a letter dated Sept. 10, an official of the Georgian ministry of culture blamed “unexpected financial difficulties” for the disinvitation.
“We do understand that the cancellation of this project, which we deemed as a landmark and one of the highest-profile concert events in Georgia, creates many inconveniences and difficulties,” the letter said, according to an excerpt read during an interview on Friday by Zarin Mehta, the orchestra’s president and chief executive officer, “but unfortunately it is beyond our capabilities at this stage to proceed further with the project.” The letter was signed by the first deputy culture minister, David Tskhadadze.
“I’m apoplectic, and so is my board,” Mr. Mehta said. “I think this virtually last-minute cancellation, from a sovereign government, citing unexpected financial difficulties, is irresponsible and totally unprofessional. This is one month away.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/25/arts/music/25phil.html
Деньги по-видимому были выделены, но потом куда-то... рассосались в процессе.
