Musicians acted out of respect for colleague with family ties to Ukraine
CARDIFF Philharmonic has defended its decision to drop a piece by a Russian composer, despite criticism from right wing figures such as Nigel Farage and Ben Shapiro.
On March 18 at St David’s Hall, the orchestra was scheduled to play the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky, who also wrote Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
But, due to recent events in Ukraine, the musicians decided it was insensitive for them to continue with this programme.
“In light of the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, with the agreement of St David’s Hall, feel the previously advertised programme including the 1812 Overture to be inappropriate at this time.”
The concert was written to commemorate the successful Russian defence against Napoleon’s invading army during 1812.
Martin May, the director of the orchestra, said the decision was made out of respect for a group member who has family ties to Ukraine.
He added: “There were two military-themed pieces as part of the programme – Marche Slave and 1812 Overture – that we felt were particularly inappropriate at this time.
“We were also made aware that the title of Symphony No 2, Little Russian, was deemed offensive to Ukrainians.”
The decision to remove these pieces from the concert programme sparked international comment online over whether it was part of “cancel culture”.
Former UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, said on GB News yesterday: “Is this turning into a complete anti-Russia or anti-Russian fest? Is it their fault that Putin has done what he’s done? Could it be the fault of Russians who died 130 years ago? I don’t think that it is.”.
Similar views have been expressed figures including American TV presenter Ben Shapiro and former British ambassador Craig Murray.
The Cardiffian asked Brent Monday, from New Hampton in the US, about his thoughts on the situation. He has a Master’s degree in Russian political history.
Mr Monday acknowledged that the composer’s 1812 Overture celebrates a Russian victory, but said Tchaikovsky’s relationship with Ukraine was especially strong.
“Tchaikovsky was educated in St. Petersburg, one of my favourite cities in the world. In those days, St Petersburg was more closely aligned with Europe than Russia. He was also a very outspoken as a non-nationalist.”
Tchaikovsky is said to have spent several months in Ukraine where he composed numerous musical pieces.
Mr Monday added: “The whole 1812 Overture has also often been played during July 4 ceremonies in the States. I do not believe one in every 100,000 people knows what the 1812 Overture was about and perhaps one in 10,000 who love the music have any clue of its history.”
In place of the 1812 Overture, Cardiff Philharmonic will be playing works by Antonín Dvořák and Edward Elgar.
