Compromised Currentzis keeps wriggling on Russia

The Russian-based Greek conductor Teodor Currentzis and his German SWR orchestra have issued a joint statement calling for ‘peace and reconciliation’ in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Currentzis does not condemn the Russian invasion, nor will he limit his involvements in Russia, some of which are funded by a sanctioned state bank.

The SWR orchestra has capitulated to his wishes in an equivocal statement that verges on shameful acquiescence.

Here’s the wording:

The SWR Symphony Orchestra and its chief conductor Teodor Currentzis will start their European tour on March 27, 2022. As an appeal for peace and reconciliation, the orchestra and its chief conductor agreed on a Ukrainian-German-Russian program at short notice. Instead of the originally planned works by Marko Nikodijevic and Johannes Brahms, compositions by Oleksandr Shchetynsky, Jörg Widmann and Dmitrij Shostakovich will be heard.

The discussions between Teodor Currentzis, the orchestra management and the orchestra board have clearly confirmed that the musical collaboration is based on shared values ​​and beliefs. Teodor Currentzis and the members of the SWR Symphonieorchester unequivocally support the common appeal for peace and reconciliation. The SWR does not expect any further statement or even the abandonment of its artistic activity in Russia from its chief conductor. Teodor Currentzis has never said anything true to the system, but has often emphasized that he sees music as a connecting force that can build bridges. The SWR is aware of the financial support of its ensemble musicAeterna based in St. Petersburg by the Russian VTB Bank. From today’s perspective, this is certainly problematic, but it has existed for a longer period of time. In hindsight, a supportive stance for the ongoing Russian attack on Ukraine cannot be derived from this. To what extent the financing by the VTB Bank for musicAeterna will be continued is, according to the current knowledge of the SWR, open.

Kai Gniffke, director of SWR: “With our comprehensive and transparent reporting on the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the ongoing information on aid campaigns and donation options, we are making it clear that our solidarity is with the people who are victims of this terrible war, who are losing their homes and have to fear for their lives. However, we are not helping anyone or even ending the war if we condemn artists who live and work in Russia in a blanket way and automatically end the collaboration. Teodor Currentzis has given us no reason to doubt that he also speaks out unequivocally for peace. Because that has always been his artistic vision: to contribute to a peaceful coexistence and to overcome borders with the help of music. He is pursuing this goal together with the members of the SWR Symphonieorchester with the program of the tour that is now starting.”

photo: SWR