San Francisco Symphony Threatens to Ban Concertgoer for Offensive Sign

The San Franscisco Symphony has threatened to ban concertgoer Laura Leibowitz after she displayed a sign criticizing the orchestra board during a June 21 performance.

The sign was in Finnish-the native language of SFS music director Esa-Pekka Salonen-and translated to "F- the board." The message was a response to the board's management of the orchestra, which has been highly criticized for, among other things, failing to convince Salonen to renew his contract at the end of his current tenure. Salonen has not gone into detail about his departure, only stating that he does not "share the same goals for the future of the institution as the Board of Governors does." The board, on the other hand, credit his decision to the orchestra's financial hardship.

The ensemble's senior director of operations, Andrew Dubowski, sent Leibowitz a letter, saying that signage is only allowed outside the venue, and that "should this conduct occur again, you will be subject to further disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Davies Symphony Hall and/or suspension of privileges to enter and attend activities of the San Francisco Symphony." Leibowitz, who has been a regular attendee since 1991, countered by saying that audience members have been bringing signs for years. On June 14, supporters held up a sign that said "Stay" during an SFS concert.

She also disagrees with the accusation that her behavior was "disorderly or disruptive." She said she only raised the sign during applause so as not to distract the musicians, and that she does not advocate being disruptive. "I was trying to convey a brief and supportive message to Esa-Pekka," said Leibowitz.

She stated that asking the music director to stay was not enough: "The problem with 'Stay' is that's not really an option for Esa-Pekka. The board is preventing him from realizing his artistic vision, so he is moving on. I wanted to put the blame where it properly lies, with a spin of cleverness. I wanted to make sure it was clear."

Leibowitz has reached out to the American Civil Liberties Union to consult her rights.