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András Schiff cancels U.S. performances for 2025-26 Season, citing political concerns
10:46 CAT | 20 Mar 2025
FILE - Hungary-born British pianist and conductor Andras Schiff had been slated to appear with the Philadelphia Orchestra as both conductor and soloist in works by Bach and Mozart, and in pure orchestral pieces by Bartok and Kodaly, on May 7, 8 and 9 at the Marian Anderson Hall. [File photo: Yutaka Suzuki]
- Andras Schiff says he feels morally obliged to withdraw from his 2025-26 season US concerts, noting that arts and politics are inseparable
Andras Schiff is cancelling his US concerts for the next season, including dates in May 2026 with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
“Due to the recent and unprecedented political changes in the United States, I feel morally obligated to withdraw from all engagements in the US for the 2025-26 season,” wrote the Hungary-born British pianist and conductor, who performed in Hong Kong this week, in a statement.
“Some people might say ‘just shut up and play’. I cannot, in good conscience, do that. We do not live in an ivory tower where the arts are untouched by society. Arts and politics, arts and society are inseparable.
“Therefore, as artists, we must react to the horrors and injustices of this world. Have we learned nothing from the course of history – as recently as Europe in the 1930s? Perhaps not.”
Schiff had been slated to appear with the Philadelphia Orchestra as both conductor and soloist in works by Bach and Mozart, and in pure orchestral pieces by Bartok and Kodaly, on May 7, 8 and 9 at the Marian Anderson Hall.
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts released a statement saying the group “respects artists’ decisions to honour their own convictions”.
“We believe that the arts can be a powerful force to bring people and communities together, furthering understanding and unity through a shared experience, and creating joy and inspiration for all,” it added.
Schiff’s decision follows a similar one by German violinist Christian Tetzlaff and the Tetzlaff Quartet, who in February announced the cancellation of concerts in the US.
“There seems to be a quietness or denial about what’s going on,” Tetzlaff told The New York Times. “I feel utter anger. I cannot go on with this feeling inside. I cannot just go and play a tour of beautiful concerts.”
Schiff, who has appeared regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society since 1993, said: “The American people have spoken – and we have heard them.
“Yes, indeed, there is a ‘new sheriff in town’. Which has made it a very different ‘town’ – one that some of us no longer wish to visit. It is no longer obligatory. Thank you for your friendship and continued support. Let’s not give up hope for better times.”
András Schiff – Bach. Italian Concerto in F BWV971
One of my favourite pieces of classical music of all time, played by a musical genius. pic.twitter.com/3CyrtPxEW5— Love Music 🎶 & Dance 💃🕺 (@Tiana_Celine_23) February 23, 2025
The great pianist András Schiff is canceling his US appearances because we’ve become so monstrous. https://t.co/aBeITSBCuu pic.twitter.com/YUhNWpxNU4
— Doug Henwood (@DougHenwood) March 19, 2025
Source: The Tribune
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