Representatives of the Ukrainian-American community in Florida sent an open letter to the management of the Palm Beach Symphony calling for the cancellation of the planned performance by Russian violinist Vadim Repin.
Earlier, LB.ua sent a request to the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States asking for comment on the situation and for appropriate measures to be taken. Kateryna Smahliy, adviser on political issues and public diplomacy, replied that the embassy was aware of the situation and had sent several appeals to the philharmonic society. The embassy also published an open letter, which was published by The Gaze.
A separate response to our request came from Ukrainian community leader Nataliya Soliyeva: “I am a representative of the Ukrainian community in Florida (Jacksonville). The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States contacted us regarding your request to cancel the performance of pro-Putin cellist Vadim Repin in Palm Beach. Firstly, thank you for bringing this unacceptable performance to the public’s attention. Secondly, the community is currently sending letters to the philharmonic requesting the cancellation. I have written our letter from the Northeastern Florida community as an open letter.”
The letter notes that Vadim Repin is known for his public closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his co-operation with Kremlin propaganda structures, in particular foundations created on the initiative of the Russian authorities. Since the start of the full-scale war, he has received more than 100 million roubles in funding from the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives of the Russian Federation.
The authors of the letter also draw attention to the political activities of the musician’s wife, ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, who for many years was a member of the United Russia party and a deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
It is separately emphasised that in 2024 Repin participated in concerts organised by the Kremlin on the eve of the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After the massacre in Bucha, he was awarded the title of People’s Artist of the Russian Federation and regularly performed at official events, including for the Russian military.
The Ukrainian community in Florida emphasised its respect for the Palm Beach Symphony and its cultural mission, but stressed that it was unacceptable to provide a stage for an artist associated with the propaganda of an aggressor state.
“We believe that providing a platform for this violinist would mean promoting the evil and crimes that Russians are committing in Ukraine. It would be extremely unfortunate if the Palm Beach Symphony were to be associated with Vadim Repin and his activities in support of Russian propaganda,” the letter states.
In conclusion, the authors of the appeal call on the management of the Palm Beach Symphony to cancel Vadim Repin’s performance and prevent the spread of propaganda by the aggressor state.
Earlier, the Mannheim Philharmonic cancelled Vadim Repin’s concert after an official appeal from the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany. The decision was made unanimously, taking into account the position of the Ukrainian community and the diplomatic mission. For similar reasons, performances featuring his wife, Svetlana Zakharova, were cancelled in Italy this year, with the information campaign beginning with an appeal from LB.ua to the embassy.