Julia Bullock has written an open letter to the Kansas City Symphony following percussionist Josh Jones’ dispute over his denied tenure.

The soprano took to social media and said, “To the Kansas City Symphony, Board of Directors, Orchestra Members, and Administration: After two weeks of struggling to understand the ongoing dispute regarding the tenure process of percussionist Josh Jones, I have decided to still honor my commitment to perform, because I look forward to making music with the musicians, and want to sing and share music within my home state of Missouri.”

She added, “However, I am entering into your space as a guest artist carrying unresolved tension, confusion and disappointment not only around the allegations that have yet to be adequately addressed concerning bias and systemic racism — which unfortunately remain a reality in any institution; but also regarding the seeming lack of open and direct communication between all parties. In the coming days and weeks, I hope that you will collectively find a way forward.”

The open letter comes after Jones was denied tenure by the Kansas City Symphony; he would have been the first black man to receive tenure with the orchestra. According to reports Music Director Michael Stern said he had “concerns over Jones’ ability to lead his section of the orchestra, culminating in a final Jan. 26 letter saying ‘improvement in the various issues… was not sufficient,’ and Jones would not be given tenure, which his position relied on.”

Upon hearing he would not get tenure, Jones said that the concerns were never brought to him in a timely manner. He also added that his organizational and managerial skills had been praised by similarly respected orchestras. Jones was one of three black musicians in the orchestra.

Bullock performs in Kansas City on June 2 and 4.