The Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival SHMF has temporarily suspended Justus Franz, the founder, conductor, and pianist, from participating in the festival lineup. This development was reported by TASS, citing German media outlets.
In June, Franz joined the jury for the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, a move that prompted the festival’s management to deem ties with Russia unacceptable for the event.
Festival director Christian Kunt elaborated on the decision, noting that the founder’s actions are being discussed privately. He stated that inviting Justus Franz was not feasible for a number of reasons, one of which concerns the founder’s activities in Russia.
Franz described the suspension as unfair, calling it cowardly while affirming that he would not bow to pressure or withdraw from his professional commitments.
Franz established the festival in Schleswig-Holstein in 1986, shaping a long-standing cultural platform in the region.
Meanwhile, renowned French orchestra conductor Clément Noncieux recently commented on Russian opera, adding to a broader international discourse about contemporary artistic exchange.
In related cultural developments, a song from the Russian television series The Boy’s Word contributed to Ukraine’s popularity on Apple Music, reflecting the complex cross-border currents that continue to surface in global music markets. Source attribution: TASS and associated German media coverage.