New York/Berlin (MH) – The Russian conductor Valery Gergiev will not perform with the Vienna Philharmonic in New York’s Carnegie Hall on Friday (today). Canadian Yannick Nézet-Séguin is to take his place. According to their own statements, the decision about the change was made jointly by the Konzerthaus and the orchestra. A reason was not given.
Valery Gergiev
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The Russian pianist Denis Matsuev should not take part in the concert either. A replacement is still being sought for him. The program with the 2nd Piano Concerto and the 2nd Symphony by Sergei Rachmaninoff will remain unchanged, it said.
After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, demands were made for the Vienna Philharmonic to distance itself from Gergiev. The conductor is a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin. On its Facebook page, the orchestra explained that culture should not become a pawn in political disputes. “As a result, we will not make any comments on political issues relating to our conductors or soloists.” At the same time, it was emphasized: “We condemn all forms of violence and war.”
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