The Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra removed a number of compositions by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky from tonight's concert program in the "Vatroslav Lisinski" hall.

The director of the Philharmonic, Mirko Boh, told Jutarnji List that "in this way, solidarity with the Ukrainian people and artists will be expressed."

"We had a very dark rehearsal yesterday. We have several colleagues from Ukraine who were very upset, but we all felt bad, so we changed the concert program. "It's not just us, but many other orchestras around the world," Boh said, adding that they are artists and that music is the only way they can fight.

Boch explained to the Croatian media that the songs from today's program were removed because they were too cheerful given the current situation.

The concert of the Russian serenade has also been canceled

Although music is universal and needed by everyone, Boch says no one should be indifferent to current events at the moment.

Boch says the idea was resolved with chief conductor David Runz, a Pole who was extremely upset by the situation in Ukraine.

"In difficult times, hearts are greatest, humanity and gratitude become imperatives, and man is man's best friend. "Our thoughts are with those who want peace in this difficult time."

The Zagreb HNK website reported that the planned Russian Serenade concert, scheduled for March 6, had been canceled, but Opera director Giorgio Surian was not available for comment.

The Croatian National Theater informs that the concert was postponed to the beginning of the week due to technical reasons, regardless of the conflicts.

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