A top pianist explains why he’s going ahead with US tour

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.

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