The Ukrainian conductor, Oksana Lyniv, who has maintained a long silence about the Greek-Russian conductor, Teodor Currentzis, has now voiced her sharp criticism towards him. Her criticism primarily stems from his connections to Russia and his lack of vocal opposition towards the conflict that is currently raging against her homeland. This issue has been brought into sharp focus due to the Vienna Festival Weeks, which have become a central point of contention.
The new artistic director of the festival, Milo Rau, had initially planned to feature Lyniv and the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra in a performance. This performance was set to include the Kaddish Requiem “Babyn Jar” by the Ukrainian Jevhen Stankovych in June. The SWR orchestra, under the direction of its chief conductor, Teodor Currentzis, was also scheduled to interpret Benjamin Britten’s “War Requiem”.
Lyniv’s criticism of Currentzis has brought a new level of tension to these planned performances. It remains to be seen how this will impact the Vienna Festival Weeks and the performances of both orchestras.
