US Orchestra Drops Kremlin-Linked Russian Violinist Vadim Repin After Ukraine Steps In

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) in Maryland has canceled planned performances with Russian violinist Vadim Repin, who has participated in Kremlin-backed cultural events and received Russian state support.

According to the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra on September 4, Repin had been scheduled to perform Dmitri Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 at Maryland Hall on November 6 and 7. The orchestra described the decision to cancel the collaboration as mutual.

“ASO and Mr. Repin have concluded that the current circumstances are not conducive to a successful collaboration, nor are they in the best interests of ASO patrons, for whom the uninterrupted enjoyment of live music remains the highest priority,” the orchestra said.

The decision followed an appeal from the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States, which had urged the orchestra in late August to remove Repin from the concerts, citing his participation in Russian state-backed cultural initiatives.

Ukraine’s Embassy welcomed the cancellation, arguing that Moscow uses cultural diplomacy as an element of its international influence campaign.

Read more

Category

Culture

Russia's Major Electronic Music Festival Outline Canceled Over Fear of Ukrainian Drone Strikes

Jul 21, 2026 21:21

“Russia uses cultural diplomacy as part of its soft power to whitewash the image of a country that continues to kill innocent Ukrainians every day with missile and drone attacks,” Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires in the US, Denys Senik, said.

“We are grateful to everyone who helped draw attention to this issue and to the importance of supporting Ukraine as it works to bring a just and lasting peace closer,” he added.

Repin received the title of People’s Artist of Russia from Russian leader Vladimir Putin in April 2022. In subsequent years, the violinist participated in official Russian cultural events, including performances connected to the Russian military.

In February 2024, Repin performed with the State Kremlin Orchestra at an event organized with support from a Kremlin-linked foundation for Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day. His arts foundation has also received financial support from Russia’s Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.

The Annapolis concerts are not the first Repin performances to be canceled following objections over his links to Russian state institutions. Orchestras in Mannheim, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; and Palm Beach, Florida, have previously dropped planned appearances by the violinist.

The move marks a reversal from September 3, when the ASO said it planned to proceed with Repin’s performances after reviewing his public record.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense