Regarding the upcoming concerts in November, the orchestra and Repin ‘have concluded that the current environment is not conducive to a successful collaboration’
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has released a statement announcing that the ensemble and violinist Vadim Repin ‘have mutually decided not to proceed with their planned collaboration’.
Repin was due to appear with the orchestra on 6 and 7 November 2026, performing Shostakovich Violin Concerto no.1. However, the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA strongly urged the ASO to cancel the Russian violinist’s appearances, citing his previous links to Russian state-backed cultural institutions.
The orchestra’s statement read: ‘The ASO and Mr. Repin have concluded that the current environment is not conducive to a successful collaboration, nor in the interests of ASO patrons whose unhindered enjoyment of live music is the highest priority.
‘Both the ASO and Vadim Repin share the desire for an end to the ongoing war that has caused immeasurable suffering and devastation. They further express their hope that a future artistic collaboration may prove possible.’
The orchestra will release an updated programme for the concerts on 6 and 7 November. Tickets that have already been purchased will be honoured, and those wanting to exchange tickets for another ASO performance will be accommodated.
The ASO previously cancelled an appearance of Repin back in 2022, in response to the rapidly unfolding circumstances at the time. The orchestra said its decision was not based on a determination that Repin supported Putin or the Russian invasion.
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