The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra condemns the invasion of Ukraine. This is an attack on a sovereign state and the people of a peaceful and democratic country.

"As an international orchestra with close connections to many Eastern European countries, we are greatly alarmed by the unfolding humanitarian crisis. We hope that peace can be restored and further loss of life can be avoided."
Benjamin Cunningham, RPO Chair

“Being an international artist with family living in both Russia and Ukraine, I am shocked by the conflict and appalled at the destruction of innocent lives. Peace must be restored as soon as possible.”
Vasily Petrenko, RPO Music Director

On Tuesday 1 March Vasily Petrenko released the following statement:

The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is already one of the greatest moral failures and humanitarian disasters of our century. The historic and cultural ties between the Russian and Ukrainian peoples, of which I am proud, can never be used to justify Russia’s invasion.

In response to these terrible events, I have decided to suspend my work in Russia, including all future commitments as Artistic Director of the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia ‘Evgeni Svetlanov’, until peace has been restored. I believe in the promotion of friendship and understanding across all boundaries. Peace must be restored as soon as possible.