Conductor Charles Dutoit boycotts Russia and America over politics

At nearly 90 years old, Swiss maestro Charles Dutoit maintains a commanding presence, both in stature and in his continued dedication to conducting. Dutoit, who established himself as one of the world's foremost conductors in the latter half of the 20th century, continues to shape the global music scene in the 21st. He recently shared insights from his Ljubljana dressing room, crediting his wife, Chantal Juillet, for her care, and acknowledging his enduring musical partnership with pianist Martha Argerich.

Dutoit's connection with Ljubljana is deep, marked by numerous past performances with prestigious orchestras like the Montreal Symphony, Orchestre National de France, and the Vienna Philharmonic. He spoke fondly of his growing relationship with Festival Ljubljana director, Mr. Brlek, which began during the pandemic with a unique rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This collaboration has since blossomed into a series dedicated to performing Berlioz's grand, rarely staged works, such as 'Requiem,' 'La damnation de Faust,' and 'Roméo et Juliette,' often requiring massive orchestral and choral forces.

“

As you can see, my wife takes good care of me

Now selective about his engagements, Dutoit chooses projects that truly resonate with him. He recently conducted three performances of Berlioz's 'La damnation de Faust' at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. However, he explicitly stated that he will no longer perform in Russia or America, citing political reasons. 'I directed in St. Petersburg. I loved the city and the orchestra, but I'm not going there anymore, just like to America. I do not accept that policy,' Dutoit remarked, indicating a firm stance against current political climates in those regions.

Dutoit's recent concerts in Ljubljana, featuring Respighi's 'Roman Trilogy' and Berlioz's 'La damnation de Faust,' have been significant events. These performances not only showcase his masterful interpretation but also underscore his role in connecting Ljubljana to the broader international artistic community. Despite global efforts to fragment this world, artists like Dutoit continue to preserve and champion a shared cultural landscape.

“

I directed in St. Petersburg. I loved the city and the orchestra, but I'm not going there anymore, just like to America. I do not accept that policy