The Athens State Orchestra decided to cancel the concert of the famous Russian pianist Denis Matsuev, which was scheduled for November 21. Instead, another soloist will perform due to recent events on the international stage. Matsuev is known for his close ties to Russian President Putin and his support for the Kremlin's policies, particularly regarding Ukraine. As a result, he has been banned from performing at events since 2022.
In 2018, the pianist was awarded the Order of Honor by Putin for his contribution to the development of domestic culture and art, and in February 2022, his performance with the Vienna State Orchestra was canceled due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Matsuev has not performed before a Western audience.
Calls to cancel opera singer Netrebko's performance in London
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and former Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Valeriy Zaluzhny called for the cancellation of Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko's performance in London. His open appeal to the opera management has been supported by 50 prominent cultural figures, politicians, and public figures from Ukraine and around the world. Among the signatories are Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia, writers Andriy Kurkov and Serhiy Zhadan.
In light of recent international events, many performances by Russian artists and musicians are being called for cancellation due to their support of the Kremlin's actions. In this context, discussions and appeals regarding similar events in various countries are increasing.