Posted by Mary Ann on February 20, 2002 at 12:09:15:
Symphony Members Removed From Flight
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Members of Russia's oldest symphony
orchestra were removed from a commercial airliner after
becoming rowdy en route to a performance in Los Angeles,
United Airlines officials said.
About 90 members of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic were
aboard a flight from Amsterdam on Monday when some began
talking loudly and bothering other passengers, airline
officials said. After some refused to take their seats
or follow crew members' orders, the members were
escorted from the flight during a scheduled stop at
Washington's Dulles International Airport.
After spending a night in a hotel, they were allowed to
board another flight to Los Angeles on Tuesday and were
still expected to perform at the Dorothy Chandler
Pavilion on Wednesday night.
``That 24 hours brought a lot of clarity for them,''
said United spokeswoman Susana Leyva. ``From the moment
they reached the gate area, they acted appropriately. In
fact, they were very mum.''
Leyva said the airline outlined a conduct agreement
which would put the crew in charge during the flight.
``Our representative was very confident that they would
observe all safety rules on board the flight,'' she
said, adding that there were no other problems involving
the orchestra.
Philharmonic spokeswoman Yekaterina Grebentsova said she
doubted the incident was extreme as reports she has
seen.
``All these talks seem to present some exaggerated
rumors taking place on the background of a noticeably
negative attitude toward Russia lately,'' she said.
``Just look at the Olympics.''
Airline officials said Monday's problems on United
Flight 947 began after some orchestra members broke out
bottles of liquor they had carried on board with them.
The orchestra's concert Wednesday was to kick off a
monthlong American tour.
Known for years as the Leningrad Philharmonic, the St.
Petersburg group traces its roots to 1882. It last
toured the United States in 1998.