The International Tchaikovsky Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious music contests, is typically a bustling, Olympics-style gathering that every four years brings talented young pianists, violinists, cellists, singers and others from around the globe to Russia.
But as the storied competition unfolds this month for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine and became a pariah in the West, it is struggling to live up to its reputation.
The contest, which is organized and financed by the Russian government, was expelled from the international federation of music competitions because of the war.
And, amid a crackdown on free speech, the foreign press corps representation is less robust, save for journalists from nations friendly to Russia, including China.
“It’s genuinely sad because it was very prestigious.”
Persons:
cellists, “, ”, Clive Gillinson, “ It’s
Organizations:
Carnegie Hall
Locations:
Russia, Ukraine, Russian, United States, Europe, China