Swiss authorities faced renewed scrutiny on 31 January 2026 after the classical music festival in Gstaad confirmed it would proceed with a scheduled appearance by Russian violinist Vadim Repin, despite objections linked to his long-standing associations with Kremlin-backed cultural projects.
Swiss festival maintains programme despite political criticism surrounding Russian performer
Organisers of the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad festival said they would not cancel Repin’s concert on 1 February, during which he performed piano trios by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky alongside Croatian pianist Martina Filjak and Austrian cellist Julia Hagen. The decision also preserved Repin’s role as mentor to eight young musicians participating in the festival academy, including performers from Ukraine. The announcement followed public criticism that questioned the appropriateness of hosting prominent Russian artists amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Festival officials acknowledged the political sensitivity but confirmed that the programme would remain unchanged. Details of the decision circulated widely after being shared via a statement circulated on social platforms.
Organisers defend artistic criteria and cite festival mission
In a written response, the festival management said the invitation of Repin had been challenged by voices calling for his exclusion. “We fully recognise the complexity of the current situation, including its emotional and political dimensions,” the organisers said. “However, we will act in accordance with our decision.” They added that the invitation was based on artistic excellence and reflected the festival’s mission to enable communication through music, distancing the programme from geopolitical considerations. The organisers did not address allegations regarding Repin’s continued receipt of Russian state honours since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The official festival programme, including Repin’s appearance, remained publicly listed in the current season schedule.
Contrast with cancellations in Italy and Germany earlier this year
The Swiss decision stands in contrast to actions taken elsewhere in Europe. In early January, the Maggio Musicale theatre in Florence cancelled two ballet performances featuring Repin and his wife, Russian ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, citing international tensions that risked undermining the production’s success. Later the same month, the Mannheim Philharmonic Orchestra withdrew from a planned concert involving Repin after appeals from Ukrainian representatives in Germany. In both cases, institutions said they had considered the views of the Ukrainian state and diaspora communities. Ukrainian diplomats have argued that Repin’s sustained involvement in Kremlin-supported cultural initiatives means he cannot be regarded as a neutral figure.
Cultural exposure and broader implications for Europe
The debate highlights wider concerns among European policymakers and cultural institutions about the role of Russian artists abroad since the invasion of Ukraine. Critics argue that high-profile performances can function as an element of Moscow’s soft power, projecting an image of normality while the war continues. Supporters of cancellations maintain that such measures are not acts of censorship but expressions of solidarity with a country under attack. The Swiss festival’s stance has therefore intensified discussion over whether culture can be separated from state responsibility during an ongoing conflict, and what ethical standards should apply to prestigious international stages.
