A philharmonic orchestra altered course, switching out its concert with a repertoire devoted to Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to a program featuring non-Russian composers.
The Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra in Wales had a setlist of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” for its concert on March 18. With 16 days until the concert, the venue, St. David’s Hall, announced on its Facebook page that it would be changing the program.
“In light of the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra with the agreement of St David’s Hall, feel the previously advertised programme for their concert on Friday 18 March including the 1812 Overture to be inappropriate at this time,” the post said.
The concert began advertising on Feb. 3.
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Instead, the concert will feature Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and British composer Edward Elgar.
“The concert also features a 90th birthday tribute to the great John Williams with his overture to the film The Cowboys, starring John Wayne,” the post added.
Tchaikovsky wrote “1812 Overture” in 1880 as a commemorative piece for Russia’s successful defense against Napoleon’s invading Grande Armee in 1812. It premiered in Moscow in 1882 and was also the first piece played at the opening of Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1891. Tchaikovsky conducted it himself then, only two years before he died.
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This comes after several international companies have ceased operations in Russia, the latest being Netflix.
