Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev will not take the stage with the Orchester symphonique de Montréal this Wednesday as planned. The OSM announced Tuesday its withdrawal from concerts Michael Tilson Thomas: Monumental of March 9, 10 and 13, where he was to perform, among other things, the Piano concerto no.oh 3 by Prokofiev.
Posted at 4:07 p.m.
“The OSM considers that it would be inappropriate to host Mr. Malofeev this week,” the organization said in a statement released the day before his performance. She justifies her decision by invoking “the extent of the serious repercussions on the civilian population of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army”.
“However, we continue to believe that it is important to maintain our relations with artists, whatever their nationality, who carry messages of peace and hope, and hope to be able to welcome this exceptional artist when the context improves. will lend to it,” writes the OSM.
The press release also underlines “the excellent collaboration with Mr. Malofeev, despite the situation prevailing in Ukraine for two weeks”.
“I was so happy to work for the first time with the extraordinary young pianist Alexander Malofeev in Montreal. It is unfortunate that political situations have made this impossible. It will be a joy to collaborate with him in the near future,” said American conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
The OSM is following in the footsteps of the Vancouver Recital Society, which last week canceled the concerts that Alexander Malofeev was to give.
No pianist will replace the young Russian prodigy on March 9, 10 and 13. The OSM has instead decided to modify the musical program of its concerts.
The orchestra concludes its press release by reaffirming its solidarity with the Ukrainian people by indicating that it will make a donation in support of this community.