**Russian Performers Return to European Stages, Raising Security Concerns**
Three years after being blacklisted due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some of Russia’s biggest classical music stars are quietly returning to European stages. The comeback includes conductor Valery Gergiev and soprano Anna Netrebko, who have both performed with Russian orchestras and been accused of having ties to President Vladimir Putin.
Gergiev, known for his propaganda concerts in the past, is set to perform in Barcelona next year with Russia’s Mariinsky Orchestra as part of the Ibercámera concert series. This move has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials, who fear that Russia’s influence could spread through Europe’s arts scene. “When you have a Russian active cultural action in [your] country, it’s immediately about disinformation and about preparing some kind of act of aggression,” said Ukraine’s Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi.
Gergiev has been sanctioned by Ukraine for his past support of Russia’s actions, including holding a propaganda concert in the ruined Georgian city of Tskhinvali. He has not performed in Europe since the invasion began and was dropped by orchestras from Milan to Vienna. The EU Commission is now investigating whether any EU funds have been used for performances involving Gergiev.
Netrebko, who supported Putin’s 2012 campaign and donated money to a pro-Russian separatist leader, has also returned to performing in Europe. Despite Ukraine’s formal protest, her concert in Bratislava sold out. Her comeback began at Palm Beach Opera in February 2024, but she faced backlash from the Russian parliament chairman, who accused her of betraying Russia by speaking against the invasion.
**Ukrainian Officials Concerned About Security Risks**
Ukraine’s arts scene has been devastated by the war, with many Ukrainian artists facing financial struggles and even death. Ukrainian director Eugene Lavrenchuk resigned from a Jerusalem production after Russian singers were cast despite his request to avoid them. “For us Ukrainians, a boycott of everything Russian is not a question of culture and art, it is a question of security,” he said.
Ukraine’s Culture Minister Tochytskyi suggested hiring Ukrainian or European performers instead. “In Ukraine, in Poland, in Sweden, we have the artist at the same or sometimes even better quality,” he said. This move would not only provide an alternative to Russian performers but also help support Ukrainian artists who are struggling due to the war.
**Conclusion**
The return of Russian performers to European stages is a complex issue that raises concerns about security risks and the spread of disinformation. While some may view this as a cultural event, it is essential to consider the broader implications of welcoming back artists with ties to Putin’s regime. As Ukraine continues to face the consequences of Russia’s invasion, it is crucial for Europe’s arts scene to think critically about its actions and prioritize security over prestige.
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