SWR: Pro-Putin statements by SWR singer are ‘private opinion’

Pro-Putin posts by Alexander Yudenkov, a tenor from the SWR Vokalensemble, have sparked controversy ahead of Teodor Currentzis' farewell concert as chief conductor of the SWR Symphony Orchestra. Currentzis, whose ties with Russia are already contentious, will conduct Benjamin Britten's War Requiem.

Yudenkov's Facebook posts from March 2022 and October 2023, which included a photo of himself on a Russian tank and a birthday wish for Vladimir Putin, drew criticism. Despite questions on social media, SWR remained silent until responding to BackstageClassical, stating that Yudenkov's comments were his private opinion and not reflective of SWR's stance. SWR has since distanced itself from his views and discussed the issue with Yudenkov, who supposedly took his account offline. However, his profile and the controversial posts were still visible when the response was issued.

There has been no comment from SWR's general director Sabrina Haane or conductor Teodor Currentzis, and it remains unclear if Yudenkov will participate in the War Requiem performances scheduled at major venues including the Elbphilharmonie and the Berlin Philharmonie.

Pro-Putin posts by SWR Vokalensemble tenor Alexander Yudenkov have sparked controversy ahead of Teodor Currentzis' farewell concert. Despite SWR distancing itself from Yudenkov's views, his controversial posts remain visible. No comment yet from SWR's general director or Currentzis. Yudenkov's participation in the War Requiem performances is uncertain. #SWR #Controversy