Issue of the day

Russian artistic greats blacklisted

PERFORMANCES of Tchaikovsky have been cancelled, sparking debate over whether it is right to stop playing the Russian composer’s work.

He remains an icon of Russia?

Born in 1840, Pyotr Tchaikovsky is famed for his ballets, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, and his Piano Concerto No 1.

What exactly has been cancelled?

Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra had been due to hold a Tchaikovsky concert on March 18, but has dropped his work from the event and will instead perform Elgar, Dvorak and John Williams.

Due to Russia’s actions?

A post on the orchestra’s official website stated, “In light of the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra…feel the previously advertised programme including the 1812 Overture to be inappropriate at this time”, as it tells the story of Napoleon’s defeat at the hands of the Russian army. In a statement posted to Facebook, it added: “A member of the orchestra has family directly involved in the Ukraine situation.”

Were there other issues?

The statement added: “There were also two military-themed pieces as part of the programme – Marche Slave and 1812 Overture – that we felt were particularly inappropriate at this time. We were also made aware at the time that the title Little Russian of Symphony No 2 was deemed offensive to Ukrainians.”

The response has been mixed?

One response on Facebook read: “What kind of an imbecile doesn’t have respect for Russian culture because of an insane man?” Welsh Conservative MP Fay Jones said on social media: “Groan. Putin is the enemy here. Not Russia.”

It is a wider issue?

In Switzerland, the Theatre Orchestre of Bienne Soleure in Biele cancelled its remaining performances of a production of Tchaikovsky’s Mazeppa at the weekend “due to the current situation in Ukraine”.

Around the world?

In Japan, the Chubu Philharmonic Orchestra announced it will replace Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with another piece in a concert to be held in Komaki on March 26, saying it decided to do so because of the composition’s subject matter.

Elsewhere?

Glasgow Film Festival removed two Russian films from its programme, saying it would be “inappropriate to proceed as normal” . The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has said Russia is no longer allowed to take part in this year’s Eurovision song contest and The Royal Opera House has cancelled a planned residency by Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet.