The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has cancelled appearances by a Ukrainian-born classical pianist, Valentina Lisitsa, because of her political commentary on social-media sites in support of pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra CEO Jeff Melanson said in a statement that "Lisitsa's provocative comments had overshadowed past performances."
He said the symphony has replaced her with another musician in April 8 and 9 performances.
Lisitsa said on Facebook on April 6 that the symphony had dropped her because she "exercised the right to free speech."
Paul Grod, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said Lisitsa calls the Ukrainian government "Nazi" and claims it sets up "filtration camps" for ethnic Russians.
Lisitsa, who was born in Kyiv in 1973, emigrated to the United States in 1991. She says her ethnic background is Russian and Polish.
Canada is home to some 1.25 million people of Ukrainian heritage and Ottawa has been a strong supporter of Ukraine's fight against Russian-backed rebels.
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
Iranian IRGC Warship Crosses Equator For First Time
2Exclusive: The TikTok Trail Of The U.S. Soldier Arrested In Russia Left By His Russian 'Wife'
3Kazakh Billionaire Buys English Soccer Club
4Russia Claims Control Over Eastern Ukrainian Town, As Rocket Strikes Kill 3
52 U.S. Citizens, Including Soldier, Join List Of Americans Being Held In Russia
6Chinese-Made Surveillance Cameras Are Spreading Across Eastern Europe, Despite Security Concerns
7North Macedonia Ruling Party Concedes As Opposition Wins Dual Votes
8Putin Inaugurated In Ceremony Marked By Western Boycott
9What Is Behind Serbia And China's 'Ironclad Friendship'?
10Live Briefing: Russia Invades Ukraine
Subscribe