Breaking: French soloist donates his US fees to Ukraine

Message from the excellent French cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras:

‘After last week’s horrific spectacle at the White House—staged to humiliate President Zelensky—and the U.S.’s rapid shift away from the fundamental freedoms and democratic ideals that Europe and the West have long defended, and after Christian Tetzlaff’s strong decision to cancel his upcoming US appearances, I have been considering what to do with my five US dates this year. I have decided to honor these engagements while donating all proceeds to President Zelensky’s United24 Foundation. Recognizing the extremely urgent need for support from the brave Ukrainian people in their struggle for their and our freedom, I have provided a substantial advance on these incomes to United24, effective immediately. I humbly call on all who can to join this struggle and act as quickly as possible.’

In August last year, Jean-Guihen Queyras played at the Kyiv Philharmonie in an act of hope and solidarity. Whilst there, he also performed Bach’s Cello Suites at a rehabilitation centre for wounded soldiers and a clinic for children suffering from war trauma.

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