Banned opera singer is running for Mayor

Banned opera singer is running for Mayor

News

norman lebrecht

January 03, 2023

The Lithuanian tenor Vaidas Vyšniauskas, nationally banned after singing in Belarus over Christmas, has been selected to head the Union for People and Justice in the coming municipal elections in Vilnius.

If the list performs well, he will return to the Vilnius stage as Mayor.

Vyšniauskas, also known as Kristian Benedikt, appears to be enjoying the controversy.

Comments

  • Emil says:

    “Appears to enjoy the controversy”? Why?
    He apologised – not sure that’s what I call “enjoying”, unless I’m missing something. https://operawire.com/kristian-benedikt-apologizes-for-performing-in-belarus-following-criticism-from-lithuanian-government/

  • Mick the Knife says:

    What business does a government have telling an artist where they can and can’t perform? A little heavy handed for a non-totalitarian regime.

  • Lithuanian says:

    He is not running for mayor! That is false! He is only trying to become a member of the Vilnius City Council!

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