Orchestra company draws ire for email suggesting ‘fit and slim’ vocalists can perform

By The Canadian Press

A Toronto performing arts company is being accused of body shaming after an email from its management that was posted online suggested it would only feature vocalists who are physically fit and slim in its boutique orchestras.

Sydney Dunitz, who has worked as a volunteer vocalist with Sheraton Cadwell Orchestra for about five years, says she received the email on Monday night and posted a screen shot of it on Facebook, where it has since been shared more than 500 times.

In the email, the company expresses concerns about two vocalists who they say are not “fit and slim,” asking that they refrain from wearing tight-fitting dresses while performing.

The email goes on to say the organization doesn’t have the same expectations of instrumental musicians because they are “essentially background wallpaper.”

Dunitz says she was disgusted by the email and has decided to no longer work as a vocalist with the group.

When asked for comment, Sheraton Cadwell Orchestra said in an email that its management was resigning and that the organization would be shutting down.

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