The Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes has issued a statement explaining why he is going ahead today with a US tour while others may be pulling out.
He says:
It’s with mixed emotions that I arrived in the U.S. yesterday. Performing in America has always been a highlight for me, but a lot has happened since I was here last October. I am very saddened to see how worried my American friends have become about the political situation in their homeland. And, as a Norwegian and European, I am concerned that the current U.S. leadership is apparently turning its back on longtime friends in Europe and around the world.
Music cannot solve global problems, but I hope my program can at least inspire some of the emotions we so badly need right now: compassion, empathy, generosity, understanding, and an appreciation of diversity.
I truly look forward to connecting with my American friends and audiences over the next two weeks.
The post A top pianist explains why he’s going ahead with US tour appeared first on Slippedisc.
-5.jpg?w=160&resize=160,160&ssl=1 "Cross-cultural cross currents: Jasdeep Singh Degun with Fantasia Orchestra in Terry Riley's iconic In C performed by string orchestra, piano, sitar and tabla at Smith Square Hall")
