SWR Classic has now responded to the open letter from the Munich composer Moritz Eggert, in which he called on the Greek-Russian chief conductor of the SWR Symphony Orchestra, Teodor Currentzis, to finally break his silence on the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine: “There is no doubt that it would be for It would be easier for the symphony orchestra and SWR if Teodor Currentzis spoke out publicly against this war,” writes Matthias Claudi, Head of Communications at SWR Classic. However, the SWR never asked him to do so because they knew what the consequences would be for Currentzis in Russia.
“Of course he could leave Russia himself and continue his career in Western Europe. But in Russia, as chief conductor of MusicAeterna, he is also responsible for the members of this ensemble.” Claudi assures that internal discussions have been held several times with Currentzis about the Russian war of aggression. “If there were even the slightest suspicion that he would support it, he would no longer be chief conductor of the SWR Symphony Orchestra.”
One can understand that Currentzis’ public silence is difficult for many people to bear. However, the reactions of the audience in the concerts with Currentzis suggested that the vast majority of people would understand his situation. “But we don’t believe that Moritz Eggert made a valuable contribution to this complex debate with his polemical letter,” the statement said.