A cancellation

Having just noticed a first for a Norwegian violinist (Kraggerud), this to notice a failed first for an Austrian pianist (Fellner). At least a first in the sense that here he was to have given us two Schubert piano sonatas, rather than appearing in a supporting role with the Belcea Quartet, as noticed at reference 1.

A first which was to have been on Saturday, but which has, unusually, been cancelled without offer of a replacement pianist. While I sometimes wonder how ill front-rank performers have to be before they pull. Maybe it depends on age and station, with an older, established performer pulling more often, feeling less need to impress agents and impresarios? Perhaps disappointing their loyal audience is more important?

And then about the hall end. Do they carry insurance for this sort of thing? Does the performer carry insurance? A hall like the Wigmore, with concerts more or less every day, might be happy carrying the risk itself. But then, if there were cash flow issues, perhaps not.

Reference 1: http://psmv2.blogspot.com/2015/12/ultimate-visit.html.