The concern comes amid wide-ranging sanctions against Russia and its oligarchs following the government’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Times of Malta recently reported that the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will not be cutting ties with a Russian-Armenian who is the president of an association that has spent millions promoting and sponsoring trips to Russia, America and around Europe. 

The Orchestra said they will not be cutting ties with the man in question, Konstantin Ishkhanov, as he is Armenian not Russian, however in official paperwork of the Maltese-Russian Friendship Foundation of which he forms part of, he is registered as a Russian national.  

The orchestra receives funding through the European Foundation For Support of Culture (EUFSC). The EUFSC’s registered office used to be based at the Russian Cultural Centre. 

As published by Lovin Malta on 13th October 2020, the European Foundation for Support of Culture has already undergone a thorough due diligence process specifically requested by the Ministry for The National Heritage, The Arts and Local Government, wherein it was unequivocally concluded that the said foundation is not funded and has absolutely no influence from the Russian Federation.

Essentially, the Foundation works as the orchestra’s producers when they perform in prestigious overseas halls, according to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra chairman Sigmund Mifsud. 

In 2019, Ishkhanov was awarded the Honour for Cultural Promoters by the Arts Council in 2019 for his ‘exceptional contribution’ to Maltese cultural life.

Do you think the Malta arts scene should stop accepting funding from Russia?