The Russian pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev, charged with paedophile offences in Thailand and released on bail, has cancelled his appearances at the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh Festival later this month.
In a terse statement, issued through the Russian National Orchestra’s press office, Pletnev said he needed the time to deal with the accusations against him and repeated that he was innocent of the alleged offences.
Over the past week he has been seeking representation offers from London PR firms.
Press release follows:
Mikhail Pletnev decided today (August 5th 2010) that he will not be conducting the concerts of the RNO in London on August 18th and in Edinburgh on August 19th in order to have the necessary time to deal with the accusations against him. Andrey Boreyko, a former Member of the RNO Conductor Collegium, has been named as his replacement for both UK concerts. Pletnev commented on his decision: “I do not wish to overshadow the wonderful music making of the RNO and their tour in the UK with the current accusations surrounding my person. I will not comment on the ongoing investigation, but I hope the matter will be resolved speedily and it will be clear that I am innocent of the accusations against me. I look forward to returning to the UK with my orchestra soon”.
Any further questions or correspondence should be directed to the European press office of the Russian National Orchestra.
NEWS EXTRA: The BBC have just announced that Pletnev will be replaced on August 18 by Andrei Boreyko.
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