The overture was commissioned as a celebration of Russian victory and imperialism. The August concert will still feature other works by Tchaikovsky, including 'The Tempest.'
Rafael Payare conducts the San Diego Symphony in an undated photo.
on Aug. 26. The work was a state commission to celebrate the Russian victory over Napoleon's invading forces in 1812."When you understand that this was commissioned to really showcase Russian imperialism and aggression and that it is the canons of war, it feels to us highly inappropriate to perform it this year under the certain circumstances — when this unprovoked war in Ukraine is literally decimating that country, and people are fighting for their lives.
"There are certainly members of our public who would be offended by that," Gilmer said."This is not the time, in our opinion, to be performing this piece."to close out and celebrate the season. This year, according to Gilmer, the organization stands in support of Ukraine."I don't think Tchaikovsky would want this to be his legend in any way," Gilmer said.
"I think Tchaikovsky was certainly a humanist. It's a very beautiful piece of music and not often played here in San Diego," she said."Of course, traditions are hard to let go of, but I think as people coming together around this and coming to this concert with that hope for a better future, a better outcome, is another way of being able to express our support," Gilmer said.
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