Vita gazette – The concert by the great Ukrainian pianist Valentina Lisitsa was held yesterday evening at the “Theatres” in Milan, whose performance was cancelled in December by the Teatro La Fenice in Venice because it was considered pro-Putin. The notes of the concert rose above the sky: Culture cannot have political connotations and be subject to censorship.

The Ukrainian artist, residing in the United States, recently had her name cancelled from the billboard of the La Fenice theatre in Venice. Lisitsa “dared” to play in the ruins of the reconquered Mariupol among people who had heard nothing but the terrifying noises of war for weeks. This performance was transformed into a political act, a declaration of closeness to Russia.

“Lisitsa – writes the broadcaster in a note – “dared” to play in the ruins of the reconquered Mariupol. This performance was transformed into a political act, a declaration of closeness to Russia. A story – adds the broadcaster – is evident fruit of the seed of intolerance, which could not go unnoticed by those who, by their own mission, work in favour of critical thinking and freedom of expression. Hence the desire to organise a concert event that draws attention to an inalienable principle: culture, as such, is an element of community growth. Cultural exchange can only lead to development among populations”.

The live concert (the musician performed Rachmaninov’s 24 Preludes) was recorded and filmed by Byoblu, with the free and exclusive concession of the artist. It will be broadcast on Saturday, 6 May, on the broadcaster’s channels: 262 digital terrestrial, 462 on Tìvusat and 816 on Sky.