Famed conductor and violinist Pekka Kuusisto has announced that he will not be performing in the United States any longer due to the current administration. 

He said in his post, “I’ve decided to stop working in the United States for the time being. I want no pressure placed on any of my colleagues to come to the same conclusion. Love and solidarity.”

In his video he added that he believed in “equal human rights” and “peace” and said that if he worked as “a non resident alien, 30 percent of his salary would be going to the federal taxes” and therefore he would be contributing to the “cruel and performative U.S. government” which is against his ideals. He did encourage the arts community to come together and speak out.

Kuusisto is artistic Director of Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor & Artistic Co-Director of Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Gothenburg Symphony, and Chief Conductor designate of Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. He joins the TMSO as Artist in Residence for a two-year term from April 2026, appearing both as conductor and violinist.

You can hear his statement here:

 

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A post shared by Pekka Kuusisto (@pekkakuusistomusician)