Pianist Evgeny Kissin canceled Hong Kong recital due to 'scheduling reasons', says promoter

One of the most celebrated pianists of the past forty years, Russian-born Evgeny Kissin has performed frequently in Hong Kong.

Maybe not anymore, after a recital he was due to give in the city in November was cancelled.

Kissin’s other nine concerts in Asia – in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan – between November 7 and December 14 will go ahead.

Announcing the cancellation of the November 16 recital on October 21, the Hong Kong government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said Kissin “is unable to come to Hong Kong to perform as planned.”

The LCSD will monitor Mr. Kissin’s future touring schedule and will consider staging another recital when the opportunity arises

From LCSD statement to the post

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