And, I really do hope in the coming weeks and months that audiences will be gracious and respectful towards Russian musicians - especially those who have made statements of support for Ukraine - who perform in the United Kingdom (and elsewhere for that matter). I believe it will take some courage for them to play before audiences when the only thing they ever want to do is play music for us. We are largely a tolerant people in this country.
The Musicweb Messageboard is not a place where political opinions, nor comment on world events should take place, however it is difficult to ignore what is happening in Ukraine at this present time. As such, attached below is a short Youtube clip showing Riccardo Muti from last week, eloquently dedicating that evening's performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to the people of Ukraine, views I am sure are shared by many (and no doubt all) who contribute to and read Musicweb International. For those who may not be able to access the clip, this is what he said:
"Good Evening. The stage (on) which we make music, should never be a place for political announcement, or statements - we make music that means joy and peace. But, we cannot play this symphony dedicated to joy and brotherhood, without thinking of the people and sufferance of Ukraine [prolongued applause]. Just a few years ago, I conducted a concert for friendship in Kyiv and I found wonderful, happy people. What we are seeing on television [today] is horrible .... and tonight in the final movement of the symphony, Beethoven - taking the text from Schiller - he speaks about joy, joy, joy. But we will think in that moment, that joy without peace cannot exist. And so I hope from this wonderful hall, from the orchestra, from the chorus, from you, a message should arrive to not only all the people in Ukraine, but also in the world, that those who are creating violence, hate and a strange need for war, we are against all that."
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