‘ACT OF PIRACY’

Philip Glass Says Crimean Theater Is Using His Music Without Permission

The new ballet, called Wuthering Heights, is apparently set to open at the Sevastopol Opera and Ballet Theater next week.

Legendary American composer Philip Glass had some harsh words after learning that a theater in Russian-annexed Crimea plans to use his music and name as part of a new show. In a letter posted to X, Glass explained that he had learned a new ballet called Wuthering Heights is set to open at the Sevastopol Opera and Ballet Theater—using works he had penned without his consent. “No permission for the use of my music in the ballet or the use of my name in the advertising and promotion of the ballet was ever requested of me or given by me. The use of my music and the use of my name without my consent is in violation of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic works to which the Russian Federation is a signatory. It is an act of piracy,” Glass wrote. He concludes the letter by acknowledging, given the state of things—the war in Ukraine—he is “powerless” to stop them. Following his message, his replies were flooded with users who supported Glass’ stance against the ballet.