The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has canceled its planned performances with Russian violinist Vadim Repin and decided to revise its concert program.
The orchestra explained that, under the current circumstances, the collaboration would not serve the interests of its audience. All purchased tickets will remain valid, while the updated program will be announced later.
“ASO and Repin have concluded that the current situation is not conducive to a successful collaboration and does not serve the interests of ASO audiences, for whom the opportunity to enjoy live music without disruption remains the highest priority,” the statement said.
The orchestra and the musician also expressed a shared desire to see an end to the ongoing war, which has caused immense suffering and destruction. ASO did not rule out working with Repin in the future.
The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States welcomed the decision. Denys Senik, Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires in the US, stressed that Russia uses culture as part of its “soft power” to improve its image while continuing daily missile and drone attacks against Ukrainians.
On August 26, Ukrainian diplomats urged the orchestra to cancel the Russian violinist’s appearance. They noted that in February 2024, Repin performed with the Kremlin State Orchestra at a concert organized by a Kremlin foundation to mark Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day.
In June, US activists also launched a petition demanding the cancellation of Repin’s performance with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.
