Putin’s bass is in denial
OperaThe Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov, a vocal supporter of his president’s wars, has issued a statement on social media following his latest disappearance from a foreign stage:
Cancellation of Don Carlo and Attila in Napoli
It’s been quite some time I have not given my feedback regarding all the cancellations of my engagements in Europe and the U.S. Now is the time.
And my main message will go to the PUBLIC.
I’m sure all of my colleagues will agree with me that as artists we sing and play for you. I have never divided my audience by race, nationality, religion or political views. Theatre is a temple of its own.
New times have come. It’s the time when politicians enter the temple of art and music and set the best cast.
Regardless of any circumstances, I still hope to meet my audience worldwide and share my art with you soon.
Always yours,
Ildar Abdrazakov
In denial of what? It is the fact of life, like it or not, that art and music are politicized now. Maybe you haven’t heard but it has been announced that the monument to Tchaikovsky in Kamenka, Ukraine (the village where he worked on his Seasons and Swan Lake) will be demolished. You may regard Abdrazakov as “Putin’s bass” but was Tchaikovsky Putin’s composer?
At this point, it’s not his to decide nor deny. Artists cannot hide behind “art” as some sort of absolution. Art is a reflection of society and therefore, part of society.
Sad lack of conscience and character.