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The cellists’ asked to buy day returns for their instruments
Last updated at 10:37am on 24.04.07Boarding the train with their £50,000 cellos, the group of musicians were looking forward to a relaxing journey home.
The train was only half full and, after a long day of performing, they collapsed into their seats with their precious instruments alongside.
But soon after the train left Plymouth for the trip to London, their happy mood was thrown into discord.
They were left astonished after being ordered by a ticket inspector to buy additional tickets – for the cellos propped up in the empty seats beside them.
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A conductor tried to charge the musicians extra when they placed the valuable - but also very large - instruments on the seats beside them
The performers were travelling back to London after playing at the International Music Seminar outside Penzance, in Cornwall, on Sunday, when they were approached by the First Great Western inspector.
Despite explaining that the cellos were too valuable to be left alone in the guard's carriage, they were ordered to pay an extra £107 to cover the cost of the cellos' "seats".
But the group, who had already travelled with the seven instruments earlier that day on £25 advance tickets, refused and the police were called.
Tobias van der Pals, who is studying at the Royal Academy of Music, said: "These instruments are worth up to £50,000 so we cannot allow them out of our sight.
"The train was not full and there were seats available all the way home.
"But when the ticket inspector saw the cellos he got very angry and said he would throw us all off the train if they were not moved.
"When he rang the police and said: 'There is an incident with some cellos', everyone on the carriage just laughed.
"All the other passengers were very supportive and gave us their email addresses so that they could be witnesses if we were ordered off."
The train was delayed for several minutes until one of the group, Hungarian-born pianist Valeria Szervanszky, told police that she would stand and allow a cello to have her seat.
It was then that the ticket inspector backed down and the train was allowed to continue its journey.
Mr van der Pals added: "When the police arrived they said there was nothing they could do and just left. After that the train manager did not return to the carriage. I think he was quite humiliated."
A spokesman for First Great Western said: "We apologise for any inconvenience.
"But the fact is that under the National Rail Conditions of Carriage, no group with bulky luggage, especially large items like cellos, should expect to receive seat space or free seating for their instruments.
"This group did not make prior arrangements with us for their large and valuable items, and therefore the train manager was entirely correct to charge for seats being used. We would expect an orchestra to make prior arrangements for travel with such items – be it by rail or any other transport.
"Our conditions of carriage clearly refer to size and weight of luggage allowed in the carriage."
In January rail bosses at First Great Western admitted that they had "made a mistake" after axing services on a line where chronic overcrowding was already a problem.
The decision sparked a commuter revolt and "fare strike".
Responding to complaints that his rail company had withdrawn 20 carriages around Somerset and Wiltshire, Mr Lockhead said: "We miscalculated the demand. We took capacity out. We're putting that capacity back in."
Reader views (14)
That's why I invented the inflatable cello!
- Ishmael Boylebodie, Glossop
Different people have different prioities and therefore different views - that's life. But things are always easier face to face. Of course, first it is necessary to smile.
- Robert Ryker, Tokyo, Japan
Ah many's the time I've given up my seat for a cello! Sometimes they have their small offspring violas in buggies. Of course it's the Grand Pianos that take up all the space.
- Philip, London, England
Airlines have required tickets for cellos, guitars and other large musical instruments for years. It should be no surprise that a rail company does the same. If your luggage takes up a seat that would otherwise have been sold to a person, you should expect to pay for that seat. Given the crowding on British trains, there's little doubt the seat would have been sold.
Delicate stringed instruments, even in quality cases, can't be left in a baggage hold where they may be banged about or subjected to extremes of temperature. The instrument I play is not as valuable as the ones the cellists in this article own, but I don't hestitate to pay to make sure it is safe and sound when I travel with it. I've always found the transport companies very accomodating, offering a child's fare or some other discount. It's amazing how helpful people are when you ask politely.
- Judy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"Empty seat": I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with the term?
- Marianne, SW France
That's a very arrogant attitude form the cellists. As a cyclist I occasionally catch trains to various places around the country to cycle, I have a bike worth a few thousand pounds and like the cellist's I do not wish to leave it in the guard's carriage by itself so I stand with it in the guards carriage. If I were to bring my bike in and put it on the seat I would expect to have to pay for the priviledge.
- Trevor Roll, London
We are a nation who generally hold musicians in contempt, as the draconian and frankly stupid live music licensing legislation has already demonstrated.
- Emma, London, UK
The logical outcome of this will be that Dawn French would have to pay two or three times the fare that Victoria Beckham is charged. Not that the latter would be seen dead on public transport, despite the obvious bargains to be had.
- Michael, London
As most commuters these days seem to take half a house with them to work, I think they should start charging extra for luggage and other large objects. The only exception to the rule should be on trains specifically for the use of holidays eg. Gatwick express, which have the correct facilities for holding large baggage.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
I would prefer a cello to occupy an empty seat rather than the dirty feet of so many passengers who constantly block seats and access by putting their feet up on vacant seats. If a cello has to pay for use of a seat then yobs who put their feet up on spare seats should have the same rule enforced.
- Sue Brady, London, England
So the police respond quickly when a train company calls for a fare evasion, but are too busy to respond to house break-ins when a burgular is committing a criminal offence?
- Alan, Eastcote, Middx
I'd like to know where these £25 advance return to plymouth tickets are on sale - I have just paid £58! Perhaps my Grand Piano Moving Company should just use the trains if they are free for musical instruments!
- Gary Parker, Amersham
Yes, the cellos occupy seats or prevent passengers from using a seats and therefore the space must be paid for. If the cellists are "surprised" then I have to say that I am astounded at their arrogance.
- Arthur Deconstantinioni Iii, London
Maybe this sets an interesting precedent. If it is a condition that the luggage needs to be occupying a seat to require a ticket, should that not also apply to passengers?
- Paul, London
