Following his dismissal from the Estonian National Opera, José Cura is speaking out.

In a statement, he said, “Some of you may also be wondering what my side of the story is. Right now, I’m at home, enjoying beautiful days with my children and my grandson, so you’ll understand why I have no intention of souring the moment by giving public explanations that, in a less cynical world, would never have been needed in the first place.”

He added, “I’m aware that many people may have drawn the wrong conclusions based on the one-sided narrative provided to the press by the Theatre. Therefore, once summer is over, and with the calm that time brings, I will exercise my right of reply, as granted under Estonian law of the ‘Media Services Act,’ reinforced by the European framework for the protection of dignity and reputation, by speaking my truth. As for now, only one conclusion remains: What happened was completely unnecessary. Wishing you a peaceful summer, José.”

The statement comes after the Estonian National Opera ended its collaboration with Cura for allegedly performing in Russia. The company said, “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.”

 

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