British orchestras oppose boycott of Russians

Due to the invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine, many cultural institutions abroad began to cancel tours and competitions with Russian artists, to refuse concerts and performances that mention something from Russian culture. The number of cancellations in the past three weeks has been shocking, that phenomenon was named as Cancel Russia. However, not everyone is of this opinion. Afisha.London magazine tells about the message of the Association of British Orchestras, which opposed the boycott of Russians.

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) opposed the widespread “cancellation” of the Russians by publishing an official statement on its website. First and foremost, ABO and its members stressed that they condemn Vladimir Putin’s decision to start military operation in Ukraine and consider it a violation of international law. They expressed their support to the people of Ukraine, as well as to those Russian artists and heads of cultural institutions who dared to express disagreement with aggressive actions taken by the Putin regime.

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The Association of British Orchestras noted that many of its members have already suspended or discontinued collaborations, both artistic and financial, with Russian institutions and individuals known for their allegiance to the Kremlin. According to the musicians, they “commend their decision and endorse this approach” as they do not consider it right for the Putin regime to use art and culture to legitimize its actions.

Photo: Mark Allen

ABO members have also suspended or discontinued collaborations with Russian artists who support the Putin regime. However, the statement says, “no Russian artist should be compelled to make such a public statement, when the consequence of doing so would be that the lives, liberty and livelihoods of themselves and members of their family in Russia are endangered.” The Association of British Orchestras will also look after those of its employees and musicians who were personally affected by the invasion of Ukraine.

ABO emphasized that it does not support the boycott of Russian composers. However, when performing such works, the musicians will try to place them in a historical context, if relevant, and communicate this to their audience.

“Works by Russian composers are intrinsic to the historical canon of Western classical music. We do not support a blanket boycott of these works, just as we do not boycott works created by composers who lived in other countries in other times that were also subject to international condemnation.”

The statement said that the consequences of the invasion of Ukraine and sanctions against Russia could last for many years, and the Association of British Composers will maintain these principles until the UK government announces the possibility of their lifting.

In March, there will be concerts in London, where you can hear your favorite works by Russian composers.

• Classical Spectacular: the programme includes music by Orff, Verdi, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and other composers;
• Guildhall Symphony Orchestra: the programme includes works by Lutoslavsky, Ravel and Scriabin;
• Carducci Quartet: the programme includes music by Haydn, Shostakovich and Schumann;
• BBC Symphony Orchestra: the programme includes music by Mussorgsky, Shostakovich and Gubaidulina;
• London Mozart Players: the programme includes works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky.

Cover photo: Marco Borggreve

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