Violinist Pekka Kuusisto to pause US engagements over political and ethical concerns

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Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto has announced that he will stop working in the United States for the time being, citing ethical objections to the country’s current political leadership and concerns about the implications of US tax law for foreign artists.

In a video posted on Instagram, Kuusisto said he made the decision several months ago and delayed speaking publicly until presenting organisations had had time to adjust their plans. He confirmed that he has informed the US institutions he was due to work with, in order to allow them to seek alternatives.

Kuusisto said: ’In a nutshell, I support equal human rights. I support peace and obviously that creates a dissonance between myself and the current US administration.’

He also drew attention to the tax obligations faced by foreign artists, noting that non‑resident performers are subject to a 30 per cent federal withholding tax on earnings in the US. Kuusisto said this made him uncomfortable, as it meant that money from orchestra donors and arts supporters would, in his words, be directed towards government actions he could not support, both in the US and abroad.

’It’s cruelty. In fact, it’s performative cruelty and I want no part in financing that,’ he said.

The violinist emphasised that his decision was a personal one and that he did not wish to place pressure on colleagues, whether US‑based or international, to make similar choices. He acknowledged that he was in a relatively rare position to be able to forgo US work financially, adding that he was prepared to accept the consequences if this later proved unsustainable.

Kuusisto, who has performed regularly in the US for decades, also addressed American orchestral administrators directly.

’I would like to, with utmost sensitivity and respect, suggest to the administrations of the major American orchestras to consider using your voices. I know some of you and I’m so sorry for what you are dealing with.

’Still, I’m quite convinced that the situation would get easier, faster, if the arts community came together to say “no more” in unison, in a way that inspires.’

Kuusisto spoke warmly of the formative influence of the US on his musical life, including his studies at Indiana University and his many years of returning annually for performances. 

He concluded: ’I’ve been coming back to the US for work. I think every single year after [my studies], at least once a year. Meeting old friends, making new friends, always feeling excitement, hope and solidarity. Out of those three during the current administration, solidarity is the only one that remains.’

Photo credit: Bard Gundersen