Ukraine Benefit Featuring Russian Ensemble Is Canceled in Vienna

A deliberate profit live performance in assist of Ukraine was canceled in Vienna on Monday amid considerations in regards to the Russian-based ensemble it was to characteristic, MusicAeterna, which is led by the conductor Teodor Currentzis and is supported by a state-owned financial institution in Russia.

The live performance, organized by the Konzerthaus in Vienna, one in every of Austria’s premier halls, was to happen on Tuesday and have MusicAeterna, which relies in St. Petersburg and is financed partially by VTB Financial institution, one in every of Russia’s largest monetary establishments. The USA and different western international locations have lately imposed sanctions on the financial institution due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Vienna Konzerthaus mentioned it canceled the live performance after the Ukrainian ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, expressed concern about that includes Russian artists at an occasion meant to profit Ukraine. The ensemble’s founder, Mr. Currentzis, who was born in Athens, is a charismatic conductor who has constructed a big following in Russia and overseas.

“The Vienna Konzerthaus can not ignore the political dimension of the efficiency of a St. Petersburg-based orchestra at a time of immense struggling brought on by the Russian Federation’s conflict of aggression towards Ukraine,” Matthias Naske, the corridor’s chief govt and creative director, mentioned in an announcement. “We perceive and share the despair over the conflict crimes in Ukraine and condemn this aggression with out reservation.”

The Konzerthaus mentioned that it could droop ticket gross sales for future appearances by MusicAeterna till the group secured an impartial supply of financing. However it additionally mentioned it could permit MusicAeterna to carry out a separate live performance deliberate for Monday evening. (The ensemble already carried out on the corridor on Sunday.)

Mr. Khymynets and the Ukrainian overseas ministry didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.

The cancellation of the profit live performance comes as tensions between Russia and the west proceed to reverberate within the performing arts. A number of high-profile Russian artists have misplaced international engagements in latest weeks due to their ties to the federal government of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

MusicAeterna, famend for its intense, electrical performances, has come below scrutiny for its connections to VTB Financial institution, which has helped finance a few of its excursions and recording initiatives.

Mr. Currentzis referred to as for peace in Ukraine in an announcement issued final month by the SWR Symphony Orchestra in Germany, the place he’s chief conductor, although he has in a roundabout way criticized the Russian authorities or Mr. Putin.

“Teodor Currentzis and the members of the SWR Symphony Orchestra unequivocally assist the widespread enchantment for peace and reconciliation,” the assertion mentioned.

The orchestra has mentioned it was conscious of MusicAeterna’s affiliation with VTB Financial institution, however it has continued to defend Mr. Currentzis. “From at the moment’s perspective, that is actually problematic, however it has existed for an extended time period,” the assertion mentioned, referring to the financial institution’s assist for MusicAeterna.

The profit live performance in Vienna was to characteristic works by Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and others.

MusicAeterna is ready to carry out in Germany, Austria and France within the coming weeks. Mr. Currentzis is scheduled to steer the ensemble in a manufacturing of Bartok’s “Bluebeard’s Citadel” on the Salzburg Pageant this summer time, paired with “De temporum tremendous comoedia” by the German composer Carl Orff.

The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany, one other main live performance corridor, mentioned on Monday it had no plans to cancel a collection of engagements this week by MusicAeterna.