Protests were held this past week at concerts in Vancouver and Toronto to demonstrate against Russian conductor Vladimir Spivakov’s pro-Putin support.
Spivakov is criticised for being on the long list of cultural figures to sign an open letter of support for President Vladimir Putin's position on Crimea in Russia’s Izvestia newspaper.
In Vancouver, approximately 25 peaceful protesters held signs saying, "Spivakov, your violins play for violence" and waved Ukrainian flags outside of the Chan Centre at a performance by Maestro Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi on May 6, according to the Facebook group Vancouver boycotts Spivakov.
A similar protest was held at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on May 9, where the above video was shot. One protester also held a banner during the performance from above the stage.
Maestro Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi are in the midst of a world tour to celebrate their 35th anniversary. The group was also greeted by protest at a performance in Boston on Sunday night.
