Russian pianists’ invitations revoked for international competition in Calgary

Honens announced that invitations to six Russian pianists have been revoked for an international competition slated to have the finals in Calgary later this year.

Honens has announced that invitations for six Russian pianists have been revoked for an international competition slated to have the finals in Calgary later this year.

In a statement released on its website on Tuesday, the organization explained its decision was in response to the ongoing violence in Ukraine.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness that the board of directors of the Honens International Piano Competition has made the very difficult decision to revoke the invitations of its Russian competitors to participate in the 2022 event.

“Honens acknowledges that there is no perfect outcome in this case and regrets that it is the six young pianists who will bear the brunt of a decision based on the brutal actions of the Russian government.”

Honens is not alone in its decision to cancel performances by Russian musicians.

Earlier in March, Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev had shows cancelled in both Vancouver and Montreal.

The Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) was supposed to welcome Malofeev for three shows on March 9, 10 and 13.

“This heartbreaking decision was not taken lightly and is absolutely circumstantial,” the organization said in a statement on Wednesday.