Muziekgebouw cancels performance of Russian-Georgian pianist

Muziekgebouw Cancels elisabeth Leonskaja Concert Over Russia Ties

Amsterdam, Netherlands ​ – The Muziekgebouw concert hall in Amsterdam has canceled ‍a ⁣December 4 performance by Russian-Georgian pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja, citing the artist’s continued performances in Moscow ​and provision of free tickets to Russian military ​personnel and ‍their families. The‍ decision, announced Wednesday, follows guidance‌ from the VSCD (Association ⁤of Theater and⁣ Concert Hall Managements) which permits Russian and Belarusian artists ⁤to perform unless they have actively supported the invasion of Ukraine.

the cancellation reflects a growing debate within the cultural sector regarding engagement with ‌Russian artists amid the ⁤ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the VSCD allows for performances by artists who haven’t⁢ publicly endorsed the ⁣war, the‍ Muziekgebouw stated the “circumstances” surrounding Leonskaja’s situation left them “no other choice.” The hall acknowledged the​ decision is “tough” and expressed regret for the disappointment it ​will⁢ cause both the audience and the artist.

according to the Muziekgebouw, Leonskaya’s case is “complex” as, despite no longer residing in Russia, she⁢ continues​ to perform‌ there. additionally, the hall noted her practice of offering complimentary tickets⁢ to members of the military⁣ and their‌ families ‍as a contributing factor.

“Music ​connects people and we thus⁣ attach‍ importance to the fact that as many people as possible can participate in it,especially in troubled ​times,” the Muziekgebouw said in a ⁤statement. “That is why we find ⁤it challenging to make a decision​ that ⁢interrupts that connection.”