Russian war on Ukraine reverberates through local classical-music scene
Vancouver Recital Society has pledged not to book Russian artists who don’t speak out against attacks
Pianist Evgeny Kissin, who appears at the Vancouver Recital Society April 28, has spoken out in strong support of Ukraine.
Young Russian piano sensation Alexander Malofeev has seen a symbolic cancellation by VRS for a concert in August.
VANCOUVER RECITAL SOCIETY artistic director and founder Leila Getz has sent a message out to subscribers saying she’s made the difficult decision to cancel an appearance by a fast-rising 20-year-old Russian pianist, Alexander Malofeev, in August.
It’s the first sign that Russia’s war in Ukraine is reverberating not just through economic, military, and natural-resource channels, but through the arts world—and specifically classical music.
Getz has said it’s impossible “in good conscience” to book a Russian artist right now unless they speak out publicly against the war, though she recognizes the artists are innocent victims of the crisis.
Here is Getz’s full statement:
Yesterday, I did one of the hardest things I have had to do in a very long time, and that was to cancel a new date we had secured in August for the 20-year-old Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev. We have now tried three times to get him to Vancouver, but again, it is not to be. We at the VRS cannot in good conscience present a concert by any Russian artist at this moment in time unless they are prepared to speak out publicly against this war. We stand with the remarkable people of Ukraine, who are inspiring us all with their resilience and bravery.
As you can imagine, I feel terrible and conflicted about it. Alexander is an incredibly talented young artist embarking upon what will surely be (in a sane world) a stellar career. He is now being penalized, despite the fact that he has nothing to do with what’s going on. He is in fear of what would happen to his family, with whom he still lives in Moscow, if he speaks out. Alexander Malofeev is just one the many millions of innocent Russians who are being deeply impacted by the actions of their government. It is all so very senseless. And it breaks my heart.
The organization has chosen to keep master pianist Evgeny Kissin on the roster for later this spring. Appearing at the Orpheum on April 28 with a wide-ranging program of Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart, the Russian-born, Israel- and British-based artist came out February 27 with a strong video indictment of Russia’s attack on Ukraine—one of many “Musicians around the Globe” taking part in a #StandWithUkraine movement who are speaking out. You can see it below or here, to get a sense of the gravity and emotion of his speech.
Here it is translated into English:
War is always grief, tears, and death of thousands, and even millions of people. An aggressive war, when, in violation of the agreements, the army of one state invades the territory of another, which did not attack, and did not threaten to attack the first, is a crime that cannot and can never be justified. As you know, at one time the main Nazi criminals who unleashed a war in Europe ended their shameful lives, some on the gallows, some in prison by the verdict of the Nuremberg Tribunal. Those who unleashed the war in Yugoslavia in the 90s of the last century sooner or later ended up in the dock at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and were punished by its verdict. Unfortunately, not all who unleash wars are punished, but none of them manage to escape the court of history, and in the memory of future generations they will forever remain villains and bloody criminals.
Other musicians who have spoken out across the globe are Daniel Hansson, conductor, music director at Malmö universitet, and artistic director for Malmö University orchestra and choir; Noah Bendix-Balgley violinist, concertmaster of the Berliner Philharmoniker; and Swedish Composer Staffan Storm. (You can see their messages, along with impromptu concerts and all manner of artistic and political tributes to Ukraine at #standwithukraine on Youtube.)
Related Articles
