Concert Cancellation in Vienna Amid Controversy Over Conductor's Russian Ties

A recent event scheduled for the Wiener Festwochen caused an uproar leading to the cancellation of a concert by maestro Teodor Currentzis. He was set to perform at this notable festival in Vienna that showcases international artists. However, the decision to include Currentzis on the program raised eyebrows due to his connections to Russia, particularly during a time when the festival wished to highlight the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Backlash and Cancellation

The controversy erupted when Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv, who was also slated to be part of the festival lineup, expressed her concerns over pairing her concert with that of Currentzis, given his Russian affiliations. In response to these concerns and the negative feedback from critics, the festival made the decision to drop Currentzis from the program, continuing only with Lyniv's performance.

Teodor Currentzis' Controversial Ties

Currentzis, who is Greek-born but Russian-trained, has been under the microscope for his connections with the Russian state-owned VTB Bank, previously a major sponsor of his ensemble MusicAeterna, and for his close associations with Russian officials. Notably, in 2014, President Vladimir Putin granted him Russian citizenship through a presidential decree. These details contributed to the festival's eventual decision to cancel his performance, considering the sensitivities surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Milo Rau's Statement

Milo Rau, the artistic director of Wiener Festwochen, described the choice to cancel Currentzis' concert as 'clear and without alternative,' citing it as 'the best solution from bad ones.' The situation highlights the challenges faced by cultural organizations in addressing and managing affiliations with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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