Violinist is latest to cancel concert in HB2 protest

In a message to fans posted on his official website Tuesday, violinist Itzhak Perlman wrote: "I have decided to cancel my May 18th concert in North Carolina with the North Carolina Symphony as a stand against House Bill 2.

Posted 6:21 p.m. May 17, 2016 — Updated 9:34 p.m. May 17, 2016

RALEIGH, N.C. — In a message to fans posted on his official website Tuesday, violinist Itzhak Perlman wrote: "I have decided to cancel my May 18th concert in North Carolina with the North Carolina Symphony as a stand against House Bill 2.

Perlman, who has played for presidents and royalty, was scheduled to perform with the symphony Wednesday evening at Meymandi Concert Hall. That show has been canceled, and representatives were contacting ticket holders about the change.

"The North Carolina Symphony welcomes all people with our hearts and minds open, and we are honored to share our music-making with everyone," the listing on the symphony calendar read.

Perlman cited "a lifetime advocating against discrimination towards those with physical disabilities" and said he had "been a vocal advocate for treating all people equally" in his decision to cancel.

Perlman is not the first musical act to cancel a show in North Carolina over the law. Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Pearl Jam and Boston, among others, have scrapped plans to come to the Tar Heel State, while others, including Cyndi Lauper, have donated proceeds from their shows to organizations supporting LGBT rights.

"Itzhak Perlman's decision to cancel his performance is just the latest example of hypocrisy and selective outrage from the far-left that does nothing but hurt ordinary North Carolinians," Robin Hayes, chairman of the state Republican Party, said in a statement. "What's interesting is he will perform in Texas and Wisconsin, two other states that have similarly taken a stand against the President's overreaching school bathroom and locker room policy."

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