Estonian National Opera Ends Relationship with José Cura
By Francisco SalazarThe Estonian National Opera has ended its relationship with José Cura due to his recent appearances in Russia.
Cura was set to perform “Otello” at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre on July 16, but his participation was canceled. According to Cura’s representative, Cura’s participation as Otello was announced in error and without his consent. Cura was also a judge for the Hibla Gerzmava competition in January 2025.
The company said in statement, “Based on the position of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia that artists performing in Russia have no place on Estonian stages, and due to the fact that both the management and employees of the Estonian National Opera are of the same opinion that without an explicit condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine and a complete severance of ties with Russia, it is not possible to continue cooperation with director José Cura.”
As a result, the production of “Peter Grimes” that he was set to direct will be canceled.
According to the company, “At the request of the theater’s management, José Cura submitted a written statement on the subject, which unfortunately did not contain a clear position on Russia. The core values of the National Opera are trust, dedication, and openness, and the same is expected of its partners and colleagues.”
Director General Ott Maaten added, “Our work can only be effective if everyone we work with shares the same values and contributes sincerely and openly to a common goal. If these fundamentals are lost and these values are not shared, the meaning of cooperation also disappears – and in such a case, we cannot continue this cooperation.”
In Cura’s statement, the tenor and director said, “I hereby state: That, as a free citizen committed to peace, I firmly reject all forms of violence, invasion or aggression between nations. This conviction does not arise from circumstance or ideological pressure, but from a personal ethic sustained over time: the unconditional defence of human dignity and respect among peoples.In light of the above, and invoking the principle of good faith as well as my fundamental rights to honour, freedom of conscience and dignity, I reject any association with political positions alien to my person, trusting that one will be able to distinguish between a cultural activity and a reductionist reading of events.”
The company announced the premiere of Benjamin Britten’s opera “Peter Grimes” will be postponed and announced that the performances on Sept. 26 and 28, 2025, the audience will have the opportunity to attend a concert performance of the opera.
Read Related Stories
Categories
News
