Protest planned at OSM to oppose performance by Russian pianist

The Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) is going ahead with a planned concert later this month featuring a Russian pianist despite some critics voicing their opposition as the war in Ukraine continues.

Russia’s Daniil Trifonov is scheduled to perform in Montreal April 20-21. The show is “Russian Concertos and French Tone Poems” alongside conductor Rafael Payare.

A protest is being planned for the evening of April 20 outside the OSM building on Saint-Urbain Street.

RELATED: Montreal symphony orchestra cancels Russian pianist’s performances

“We believe the representatives of a culture that has been unable to convert its population of medieval barbarians into decent, empathetic people should not be promoted on the Montreal Symphony Orchestra stage,” said protest organizer Khrystyna Lastovetska.

The death toll continues to rise since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in late February. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians are believed to have been killed, with many more injured. Millions have fled to neighbouring countries.

The OSM says it did not want to punish Trifonov for the war and that it came to the decision “after careful consideration.”

CityNews requested a comment from the OSM and was redirected to its March 31 statement on Facebook.

“We have heard comments from a large number of individuals from many different backgrounds who, in good faith and despite the horrors of war, hope that music, will continue to be a vehicle for peace and solidarity between nations.

“Music brings together artists of all origins and cultures, and it is not our intention to place the burden of war on artists who have nothing to do with the atrocities being committed in Ukraine.

“We sincerely hope that Mr. Trifonov’s presence with the OSM will help spread a message of peace, and that music will speak louder than weapons.”

The OSM took a different position following a similar debate last month.

A 20-year-old Russian pianist’s concerts were cancelled at the last minute following opposition from members of the city’s Ukrainian community. Some OSM musicians said they would refuse to play if Alexander Malofeev was allowed to perform.

At the time, the OSM said it cancelled those shows “considering the serious impact on the civilian population of Ukraine caused by the Russian invasion.”