MOSCOW. - Artists of State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia after Svetlanov addressed an open letter to Russian Minister of Culture Alexander Avdeev, declaring their unwillingness to continue working under the leadership of chief conductor of the orchestra Mark Gorenstein. The letter is published on Classical Music News portal.

Musicians complain that the situation in State Symphony Orchestra has reached "the highest boiling point." One of the reasons artists refuse to work with the director is the incident that occurred recently during Tchaikovsky Competition, where Mark Gorenstein was involved in a scandal on a national basis.

“It is none of your concern what this ‘talented’ boy, this aul plays, you should play with me,” Mark Gorenstein told the orchestra at a rehearsal on June 25, implying Armenian cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan.

Rehearsal with Hakhnazaryan’s participation and conductor’s statements was broadcasted live. The Organizing Committee officially condemned this act.

Among other reasons for Gorenstein’s dismissal is the loss of leading musicians of the orchestra. According to the letter, in the last few years 280 musicians left the Orchestra. 60 of them left in the last season (2010-2011).

Mark Gorenstein has been leading State Academic Symphony Orchestra since 2002.