The international initiative Arts Against Aggression has published an open letter calling for the cancellation of Russian violinist Vadim Repin’s performance at the Sofia Philharmonic. The authors of the letter consider the musician’s participation unacceptable due to his ties to Kremlin politics and his involvement in projects of a propagandistic nature.
The letter highlights that Repin has been involved in Russia’s state cultural initiatives for many years and has received funding from organisations linked to the government. In particular, following the start of the full-scale invasion, his foundation received more than 100 million roubles from the Russian Federation’s Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.
The authors of the appeal also draw attention to the musician’s participation in concerts organised by the Kremlin, as well as his public appearances at official events supporting Russian state policy.
Activists emphasise that culture cannot be separated from the political context during a war, especially when it is used as a ‘soft power’ tool to legitimise the actions of the aggressor state.
The appeal also cites examples of previous cancellations of Repin’s performances in Europe — notably in Germany and Italy — following calls from Ukrainian diplomats and the public.
The authors of the letter urge the Sofia Philharmonic to follow these decisions and refuse to collaborate with artists whom they consider to be linked to Russian propaganda.