The opening night of the London Symphony Orchestra’s Berlioz series at the Barbican was disrupted on Thursday by Peter Tatchell, who protested against Putin and his support for the anti-gay laws in Russia.

After being taken off stage by security staff, Tatchell explained he never intended to disrupt the concert; rather, he wanted to make a short, symbolic statement.

The LSO said they hoped for a quieter evening at their concert on Friday night, where they performed Berlioz’s viola concerto, Harold in Italy.