G20 Protests Force André Rieu to Cancel Concert in Toronto

TORONTO (BNO NEWS) — G20 protests have forced Dutch violinist André Rieu and his orchestra to cancel a planned concert in Toronto on Saturday, police said.

Rieu was scheduled to perform, along with his 55 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Saturday night, at a time when world leaders are meeting in the Canadian city.

But peaceful protests turned violent in some parts of downtown Toronto on Saturday, forcing additional street closures and other security measures. Some cars were set on fire while protesters smashed windows and turned against police officers.

“What a sad moment! We all where ready for a concert in Toronto,” Rieu wrote on his Twitter account. “The police closed all roads so nobody could come to the hall. We had to leave.”

Rieu said all tickets sold for Saturday’s concert will be valid during a new concert in December. “We come back in December. The date we let you know as soon as possible. I am very sad,” he added.

Constable Wendy Drummond of Toronto Police confirmed the concert had been cancelled because of protests.

Rieu is one of the best selling live acts in the world, outselling artists such as Britney Spears and Beyonce. He sold more than 800,000 tickets last year and has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.