This Thursday, March 3 begins at the Philharmonie de Paris “La Maestra”. The young Russian Maria Kurochkina, 32, left Moscow on February 25 to come to France to take part in this prestigious international competition for female conductors. She explains to us why the Russian offensive in Ukraine prevents her from returning to Russia.
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The war in Ukraine is increasingly disrupting the cultural sector. Canceled concerts, fired art curators and festival directors, it is the boycott of the artistic scene close to the Russian power. But there are also artists who do not want or cannot return to their country. This is the case of Maria Kurochkina.
” It’s not a conflict, it’s a war. A war that Russia started against the Ukrainians. It’s a disaster, because many Russians have family and friends there, many were born in Ukraine. In Russia, most people do not support this war, although it is very dangerous to protest. Calling it a “war” is already a crime. And supporting Ukraine can lead to 20 years in prison.
► Read also : War in Ukraine: the solidarity of the cultural world in France
Sanctions against institutions that support this war are absolutely justified, but countries imposing these sanctions need to seriously consider who they are directing them against. I will definitely not go back to Russia. It’s dangerous for me and I don’t want to live in a country that is so aggressive towards our neighbours. I have no future there. But each of us will have to do everything we can to stop this war. And as artists, we have the opportunity to express ourselves and be heard, even in times of disaster. »
► From March 3 to 6, the 2nd La Maestra competition at the Philharmonie de Paris is also broadcast live.