“I was also glad to be entertained by a Russian pianist, albeit a woman instead of a man.”

I am glad you enjoyed last week’s concert, but this statement is incredibly sexist. Ms. Kern and Mr. Matsuev are each brilliant artists in their own right and do not need to be compared according to their sex. I have heard Matsuev in concert before and was very disappointed when I found out he was cancelled, but I doubt they could have found a more appropriate replacement than Ms. Kern. She was remarkable.

Also, they both studied under the same teacher at the Moscow Conservatory and she played several of the same pieces that you would have heard from “the man,” so I think you were very fortunate that the recital went on with this talented and skilled performer.