Repin’s Annapolis Symphony Performance Canceled Amid Ukraine Support Controversy in March 2022

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has announced that Russian violinist Vadim Repin will perform with the ensemble this November at Maryland Hall, marking his return to the venue after his scheduled appearance was canceled in March 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The orchestra initially canceled Repin’s performances in response to the ongoing conflict, stating the decision was made both as a result of the war and out of concern for the musician’s safety, and comfort. At the time, the ASO emphasized that it did not want to place Repin in an “uncomfortable, even impossible” position and affirmed its support for the Ukrainian people.

Instead, the orchestra performed a musical tribute to Ukraine, featuring works such as Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier Suite, Gabriela Lena Frank’s Concertino Cusqueño, and Michael Abels’ Outburst.

Repin, a Siberian-born violinist of Belgian and Russian heritage who now resides in Vienna, Austria, has long been associated with Russian and French repertoire, particularly Russian violin concertos. He is in a relationship with Svetlana Zakharova, a principal ballerina with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow.

The upcoming November performance represents a notable shift in the orchestra’s programming stance, coming nearly four years after the initial cancellation. The ASO has not issued a public statement explaining the change in position regarding Repin’s engagement.

In early 2026, a Ukrainian advocacy group raised concerns about a scheduled performance by Repin in West Palm Beach, Florida, which was subsequently canceled following coordinated efforts by activists in the United States. That event is separate from the Annapolis engagement.

As of April 22, 2026, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has confirmed Repin’s appearance for November, though no further details about the program or ticketing have been released.