The Athens State Orchestra announced the cancellation of Russian pianist Denis Matsuev’s concert, scheduled for 21 November 2025. The reason was the musician’s open cooperation with the Kremlin and his public support for Vladimir Putin’s policies, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. This was stated on the orchestra’s website.
The orchestra’s statement said that the decision was made “in light of recent international events” and that the institution strives to uphold “the values of open dialogue and respect that define the European cultural community.”
Matsuev is known as one of Russia’s leading pianists, closely associated with the Kremlin and a participant in various state events in Russia. His performance in Greece will be replaced by another musician, whose name has not yet been announced.
The cancellation of Matsuev’s concert is another example of how European cultural institutions are responding to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine by restricting the participation of artists who publicly support Moscow’s aggressive policies.