The BBC has rejected a Wimbledon-style ban on Russian concert musicians performing at this summer’s Proms. However, any artist who expresses pro-Putin sentiments will not be allowed to play.
International orchestras returning to the first full season of Royal Albert Hall concerts after the pandemic include the Berlin Philharmonic, led by Kirill Petrenko, the Russian-Austrian conductor.
Another prominent Russian conductor, Vasily Petrenko, who leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, is also due to appear during the eight-week concert season.
Both Petrenkos have made public statements criticising President Putin and condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
David Pickard, BBC Proms director, said the event would not follow Wimbledon’s controversial decision to ban all Russian and Belarussian players from this Summer’s tournament.
Mr Pickard said: “We do have Russian artists coming this Summer. Many of them have spoken out very openly against the regime. We’ve had private discussions with the others.”
He added: “I’m confident there is no one there who is a supporter of…
