When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2020, Moscow resident and pianist Polina Osetinskaya was deeply troubled. She used social media to express her horror, shame, and disgust while also showing solidarity for Ukraine which she had frequently visited to perform. Although a number of artists, intellectuals and activists left Russia due to the government’s crackdown on free speech, Osetinskaya, aged 47, decided to remain in the country with her three children. She has been persecuted by authorities for being vocal against the government’s invasion, facing consequences such as canceled concerts at state-run halls and even arrests.
As a Russian citizen, Osetinskaya considers herself caught in the middle due to her identity, being viewed suspiciously both within and outside of Russia: she lost some engagements overseas after the invasion because presenters grew nervous about featuring Russian performers. Osetinskaya will play an assortment of Baroque masterpieces at her show in the US this week.
Did you have any hesitations about speaking out when the war first started?
On the first day of the war, I woke up at 7 a.m. because I was making my children breakfast and taking them to school. And I opened my eyes and I saw a post on Facebook by my friend that said, “Oh God, No! No!” I immediately understood what was going on. I just couldn’t believe it was happening. I never had the idea that I could keep silent. I had to scream.
Osetinskaya has remained steadfast in her opposition to the war, despite being cautiously mindful of her own safety. She has performed private shows in Moscow when she was barred from public halls.
Amidst the turmoil, Osetinskaya remains optimistic about the healing power of music, describing her chosen field as the “only thing I can do to solve my own pain and to solve other people’s pain.” Reflecting on her love for Russia, Osetinskaya makes a point of separating Russia as a country and its people from the decisions made by the Russian government.
