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.
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
What's Stopping NATO Countries From Boosting Defense Spending?
2The Kremlin Shrugs At Trump's New Sanctions Threat. But Should Putin Be Worried?
3Trump Warns Putin For Third Time To End 'Ridiculous' Ukraine War
4Moscow's War On Ukraine: Where's The Russian Outrage?
5Could Trump Cut A Deal With Putin And Leave Ukraine In The Cold?
6Inside Russia, A Snapshot Into Hopes, Fears, And Gripes Of A Society At War
7Trump Says Putin ‘Destroying’ Russia By Failing To Seek Ukraine Peace Deal
8Under Fire In Pokrovsk: Ukrainian City Burns As Attack Drones Stalk Residents
9Ukraine Live Briefing: Kyiv Targets Over A Dozen Russian Regions
10Russian Refinery In Flames After Largest Ukrainian Air Attack This Year
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.
