Pianist Leif Ove Andsnes Issues Statement Justifying American Performances

For Andsnes, music can generate "compassion, empathy, generosity, understanding" in a time of heightened political tensions

The Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes has issued a statement discussing his mixed feelings about performing in the United States in the current political climate. Andsnes has just embarked on an American tour that includes concert appearances in Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, and Cleveland, among other stops.

In the statement, Andsnes argues that music can help listeners deal with what he sees as the deficits of the political landscape at present. You can read his thoughts in full below.

"It’s with mixed emotions that I arrived in the U.S. yesterday," Andsnes said. "Performing in America has always been a highlight for me, but a lot has happened since I was here last October. I am very saddened to see how worried my American friends have become about the political situation in their homeland. And, as a Norwegian and European, I am concerned that the current U.S. leadership is apparently turning its back on longtime friends in Europe and around the world."

"Music cannot solve global problems, but I hope my program can at least inspire some of the emotions we so badly need right now: compassion, empathy, generosity, understanding, and an appreciation of diversity."

"I truly look forward to connecting with my American friends and audiences over the next two weeks."

In addition to his solo career, Andsnes is a keen chamber musician, and is the founding director of the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival, was co-artistic director of the Risør Festival of Chamber Music for nearly two decades, and served as music director of California’s Ojai Music Festival in 2012.

He is also a prolific recording artist, and his discography spans more than 50 different recordings, of solo, chamber, and concerto repertoire from the Baroque to the present day. Andsnes has been nominated for a GRAMMY Award on eleven different occasions and have received seven Gramophone Awards.