‘Pro-Putin’ Russian Musicians Face Consecutive Bans from Global Classical Music Stages

'The World's Busiest Conductor' Gergiev Dismissed from Munich Philharmonic
Soprano Netrebko Cancels Performance, Refuses to Publicly Withdraw Support for Putin

Valery Gergiev (right) is receiving congratulations from Russian President Vladimir Putin at an awards ceremony held at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, in 2016. Photo by AP/ Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Amid the spread of the 'Russia boycott' protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian musicians, led by world-renowned conductor Valery Gergiev, are facing exclusion.

Earlier on the 1st, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany announced the dismissal of its chief conductor Gergiev. Dieter Reiter, mayor of Munich, stated, "We requested Gergiev to express his opinion on Russia's barbaric invasion, but he remained silent," adding, "The (dismissal) measure is effective immediately, and there will be no future performances conducted by Gergiev."

The 'Gergiev Festival' named after him also declared its suspension. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in the Netherlands, which Gergiev led for 13 years from 1995 and currently holds the honorary conductor position, dismissed him from his post and abolished the festival, condemning his silence on the matter.

New York's Carnegie Hall and Italy's La Scala in Milan also immediately announced the suspension of his appearances.

Russian pianist Denis Matsuev, known for his pro-Putin stance, was also excluded from performances. On the 24th of last month, Carnegie Hall and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra removed both conductor Gergiev and collaborative pianist Matsuev from their performance lineups. The Vienna Philharmonic appointed Yannick N?zet-S?guin, music director of the New York Metropolitan Opera, as the vacant conductor, and Cho Seong-jin on piano to proceed with the concert.

Russian soprano Anna Netrebko (right) is receiving the People's Artist of Russia Award (PAR) from Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2008, and they are posing for a photo together. Photo by AP/ Yonhap News

World-class soprano Anna Netrebko, also from Russia, had her New York Metropolitan Opera performance canceled. On the 3rd, Peter Gelb, general director of the Met Opera, announced, "She is one of the greatest singers in Met history, but as long as President Putin is killing innocent victims in Ukraine, there was no other choice."

Alexander Malofeev, winner of the Tchaikovsky Youth Competition, also had his Canadian performance canceled due to his failure to state a position on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Some musicians have voluntarily stepped down due to the pressure to declare their stance. Tugan Sokhiev, music director of the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia and conductor of the Toulouse Municipal Orchestra in France, issued a statement on the 6th (local time) announcing his immediate resignation from all positions.

Sokhiev said, "Many people are waiting for my position (on the Ukraine situation)," adding, "I was forced to make an impossible choice between my beloved Russian and French musicians."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.