"Due to the unfolding tragic war in Ukraine, we have decided to cancel next summer’s Festival. It is not a decision we take lightly but, in times of such human tragedy, we feel that the right thing to do is to forego the planned events. We strongly condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine!" a statement said.
"Since the events and our announcement of Friday, changes have been made to the Festival’s trustees and management with further ones to follow. In addition, we are committed to a full review of our operations in order to determine the Festival’s viability."
All ticket holders will be automatically refunded in full within the next two weeks. Gift card holders are invited to contact [email protected] to organize a refund.
This year's program had included Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a long-time friend and supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the Mariinsky Orchestra. As reported internationally, Gergiev has already lost a string of bookings as a result of his reluctance to condemn the invasion of Ukraine.
