Pianist Evgeny Kissin cancels Hong Kong recital ‘for scheduling reasons’, organizer says

Russian-born Evgeny Kissin, one of the most famous pianists of the last four decades, has performed frequently in Hong Kong.

Maybe not anymore, after the cancellation of his recital in the city in November.

Kissin continues to hold nine more concerts in Asia (Taiwan, South Korea and Japan) between November 7 and December 14.

Announcing the cancellation of the November 16 recital on October 21, the Hong Kong government’s Entertainment and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said Kissin “will not be able to come to Hong Kong to perform as planned.”

In its report on the cancellation, classical music news site Slipped Disc said: “Our sources say China may have banned Kissin due to his hostile attitudes towards Russian ally (President Vladimir) Putin.