“This is the first time I have heard of such a letter. Even if there was this letter, the holding of concerts is within the competence of our cultural organizations and the people themselves decide who to listen to and who not to listen to. I believe that art and culture in general should be outside of politics,” Smadiyarov said at a briefing.
As the journalists clarified, the letter allegedly contained a request, in addition to Galkin, not to allow Zemfira and Alla Pugacheva to enter Kazakhstan for concerts.
“On social networks, you know, they write such things, I just don’t know how to comment on this nonsense. This “letter” did not pass through us, I think this artist and his organizers will resolve this issue,” Smadiyarov added.
Galkin’s performances in Astana and Almaty may be cancelled due to repair work at the concert venues.
Photo source: picture from an open source