Statement from the Estonian capital, Tallinn:
The management and staff of the Estonian National Opera are of the common opinion that artists performing in Russia have no place on Estonian stages, and without an explicit condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a complete severance of ties, it is not possible to continue cooperation with Argentine director and conductor José Cura.
The National Opera names trust, commitment and openness as its core values, and the same is expected of its partners and fellow performers.
‘Our activities can only be effective if everyone we work with shares the same values and sincerely and openly contributes to a common goal. If these fundamentals disappear and these values are not shared, the meaning of cooperation also disappears – and in that case we cannot continue this cooperation,’ explained General Director Ott Maaten.
Cura has performed in Estonia before, but in early July his rather rich cooperation with Russia attracted attention. His last role in Russia was to be Otello at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, announced for July 16, but was recently cancelled. According to Cura’s representative, Cura’s participation as Otello was announced in error and without his consent.
In early July, Maaten told Eesti Päevalehe that he was aware of Cura’s ties to Russia and confirmed that he had discussed this with Cura. He added that, to his knowledge, all cooperation had been terminated.
At the request of the theatre’s management, José Cura submitted a written statement on the subject, but unfortunately it did not contain a clear position on Russia.
‘I, the undersigned, hereby affirm the following:
‘That as a free and peace-loving citizen, I unequivocally condemn any form of international violence, invasion or aggression. This conviction is neither a result of circumstance nor ideological pressure, but is a personal ethical position that has endured over time: an unconditional commitment to the protection of human dignity and respect between peoples.
‘Based on the above, and based on the principle of good faith behavior and my fundamental rights — honour, freedom of thought and dignity — I refuse to be associated with any political positions that are alienated from my person, in the hope that a distinction can be made between cultural activity and a simplified interpretation of events.’
Under Cura’s direction, Benjamin Britten’s opera “Peter Grimes” was to have its premiere at the National Opera on September 26. Due to the change in the production team, the premiere of Benjamin Britten’s opera “Peter Grimes” has been postponed.
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