(Credit: Sarah Katharina. Niko Niko’s wardrobe.)

Elīna Garanča and Piotr Beczala have canceled their performances in Russia.

The two artists took to social media to announce their positions on why they were canceling their upcoming concerts in the country.

Beczala said: “I am not a politician and I have no influence on political decisions. But I am an artist and I can use my voice to voice my opposition to the war that is taking place just across the border from my beloved homeland. Unfortunately, I have decided to cancel my concert with the National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Russia, which was scheduled for May 25 in Moscow.

He added: “I know that many of my Russian fans were looking forward to this concert, but this is the only right decision in view of current events and in accordance with my conscience. We are not helpless! Each of us can express our opposition out loud. Each of us can help to the best of our abilities. At this point, I would like to emphasize how proud I am of my compatriots who help and welcome tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war! , you are great! Unity and solidarity for Ukraine!

Meanwhile, Garanča noted: “Dear friends – this is to inform you that last Thursday, the first day of the attack on Ukraine, I completely withdrew from any future concerts in Russia. I find it irresponsible and highly immoral that my name should be associated with events in a country which decided in the light of the criminal war waged by the Russian regime against the democratic and independent nation of Ukraine, and against the European open society in as long as together. I cannot support people who support Putin and his regime even if they are trapped in not being able to make an open and honest statement.

She added: “But being a Latvian, knowing what an invasion and an occupation is, me being a mother and teaching my children the sense of morality, I defend my voice for the freedom and independence of the Ukraine! War is NOT a solution! Music must certainly unite, and what would the world be without cultural exchanges between us, but, as history has shown, we can and must be able to choose the ideology of the political leaders to follow!

Garanča and Beczala are the latest performers to cancel their concerts in Russia after Joseph Calleja who removed his Bolshoi appearances from his schedule and Ingo Metzmacher who canceled all his conducting commitments in Russia.