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Estonia's National Opera discontinues partnership with director José Cura over links to Russia

Estonian National Opera discontinues partnership with director José Cura, citing his connections to Russia...

, and ASMedia

2025 September 4 . 7:00 PM

2 min read

Estonian National Opera terminates association with director José Cura over links to Russia

Estonia's National Opera discontinues partnership with director José Cura over links to Russia

In a bold move reflecting a strong stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine, the Estonian National Opera has cancelled the premiere of Benjamin Britten's opera "Peter Grimes." The decision was made due to the opera house ending its cooperation with internationally known Argentine opera singer and director Jose Cura, who has ties to Russia through past performances there.

The cancellation was announced in a press release, with Ott Maaten, director general of the Estonian National Opera, stating that cooperation can only be effective if everyone shares the same values and contributes sincerely and openly to a common goal. Maaten emphasized that if values are not shared, the meaning of cooperation disappears, and it cannot continue.

The management and employees of the Estonian National Opera, as well as the Ministry of Culture, share the same opinion regarding this matter. Jose Cura was asked to submit a written statement on the subject, but it did not contain a clear position on Russia. As a result, the opera house has ended its cooperation with the director.

The cancellation of "Peter Grimes," originally scheduled for September 26, has been postponed due to a change in the production team. However, the opera will be performed by the artists of the National Opera within the next couple of years. On September 26 and 28, 2025, there will be a concert performance of "Peter Grimes."

Tickets for the performances can be refunded until September 5, 2025. Tickets for the performances on September 26 and 28, 2025, will be valid for the concert performance on the same day. The Estonian Ministry of Culture believes that artists performing in Russia should not appear on Estonian stages.

The Estonian National Opera's decision reflects a firm stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine, and it serves as a reminder that values and ethics play a crucial role in cooperation and collaboration. The opera house remains committed to staging "Peter Grimes" in the coming years, but with a team that aligns with its values and principles.