American composer Philip Glass denounces “piracy” of his music for a ballet in occupied Crimea

American composer Philip Glass denounced a “piracy“after discovering that his music and name were used to stage a ballet in Sevastopol, in the Ukrainian Crimea annexed by Russia.”I have learned that a ballet called ‘Wuthering Heights’ featuring my music and using my name for its publicity and promotion is to have its premiere (…) next week“, he said in a statement broadcast Thursday evening on X.

“Using my music and name without my permission is a violation of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works to which Russia is a signatory, it is an act of piracy“, the composer castigated.

“I am well aware that the current circumstances in occupied Crimea render me powerless to assert my rights under international law.“, he continues. “But I will make my vehement objection known if you proceed. Please make your arrangements accordingly.” concludes Philip Glass.

The ballet in question, created by British choreographer and dancer Jonah Cook, is an adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel The Wuthering HeightsIt is to be performed in Sevastopol, a major port and headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, on July 29 and 30.

Russian ballet star Sergei Polunin, a staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine, will star alongside dancer Ksenia Ryzhkova. According to its promotional poster, the show will also feature music by Icelandic artist Hildur Guðnadóttir.