In light of the current crisis in Ukraine, the UK-registered Russian State Opera has distanced itself from Russia.

Promoters Amande Concerts removed the brand name Russian State Opera from all media and replaced it with Amande Concerts.

Their production of Aida will travel to The Hawth, Crawley on Thursday March 10 at 7.30pm.

They are also bringing Aida to the Congress Theater in Eastbourne on Tuesday March 15 at 7.30pm and Carmen on site on Wednesday March 16 at 7.30pm.

The show is promoted by Amande Concerts who released the following statement to clarify their feelings on the current situation and to confirm that there are absolutely no financial or other ties between the company and the Russian state.

“In light of the current tragic situation in Ukraine, we would like to clarify a few facts and state our position.

“It goes without saying that we strongly condemn the violence in Ukraine. The arts and politics are not linked, it is innocent people who are affected. They cannot change any political situation; however, they are feeling the effect!

“This production is brought to you by an English company, Amande Concerts Ltd, registered in the UK, who have worked with the best of the best performing arts organizations in Eastern Europe for over twenty years.

“The Russian State Opera is a brand created by a British company, Amande Concerts. This brand acts as an umbrella for the presentation of artists of many different nationalities who graduated from art institutions in Russia and countries that were once part of the Soviet Union. We understand the potential for confusion this name causes, but there is no connection between Amande Concerts and the Russian “state” as a political entity.

“The Russian State Opera is a UK registered trademark which has been used in the same context as, for example, the English National Ballet. The trademark name relates only to the geographical location of the performers. Amande Concerts Ltd, receives NO public or commercial money from Russian organisations.Amande Concerts has been self supporting WITHOUT any sponsorship support from ANY state or organisation, including Britain.

“Please also note that Amande Concerts brings ballet and opera productions from Eastern Europe, including Russia, which include various nationalities. We have in our castings nationalities from all over the world, including Russia, Belarus, Siberia, USA, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, Estonia and of course Ukraine.The latter individuals who are also currently touring the UK still have family members currently in Ukraine and of course, are even more affected by the current situation.

“Furthermore, I would like to state that the current opera theater which is touring in the UK is based in the region of the autonomous republic of Mari El, in the north and center of Russia. This region has its own unique culture which is closely linked to Finnish-Hungarian roots.The Opera Theater is an entity in its own right and is part of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Mari El.

“In view of the current situation, Amande Concerts has removed the Russian State Opera brand name from all media and replaced it with Amande Concerts.”

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