The American Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has announced the programme for the 2026–2027 season, which will mark the ensemble’s 65th anniversary. Among the guest artists is the Russian pro-Putin violinist Vadim Repin. This was reported by The Baltimore Sun.
In March 2022, Repin’s performance with the same orchestra was cancelled in solidarity with Ukraine following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The ASO’s then executive director, Edgar Herrera, explained the decision as a direct response to the war.
The situation has now changed: the orchestra has a new executive director — Erica Bondarev Rapach. According to her public profile, she began her career in cultural management whilst volunteering with the Peace Corps in Russia, where she performed with the Volgograd Symphony Orchestra. It is also noted that she speaks Russian and has previously visited Russia frequently.
Following the announcement of the programme, the organisation Arts Against Aggression published an open letter to the orchestra calling for Repin’s invitation to be withdrawn, citing his involvement in Russian state propaganda.