The cancellation marks a significant response to the ongoing cultural divide influenced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Concert featuring Putin's ally Gergiev axed amid backlash in Italy
Concert featuring Putin's ally Gergiev axed amid backlash in Italy
Criticism from human rights activists leads to festival organizers' decision.
The planned concert by prominent Russian conductor Valery Gergiev at an Italian music festival has been canceled following intense criticism from Kremlin critics and human rights advocates. Gergiev, known for his close ties to President Vladimir Putin, was slated to conduct an orchestra in a historic venue near Naples later this month. This would have marked a return to the stage for the 72-year-old, who has been sidelined from Western performances due to his unyielding support for the Kremlin since Russia's military actions in Ukraine began in February 2022.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli characterized the organizers’ decision as “common sense,” emphasizing the need to uphold the values associated with the free world. The concert, part of the Un'Estate da RE festival, was set to take place at the Royal Palace of Caserta, although no official explanation was provided for its cancellation.
The Ukrainian government had previously called for the cancellation, labeling Gergiev as "Putin's mouthpiece" and arguing that he should not be allowed to perform anywhere as long as Russian aggression continues. Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the assassinated Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, also applauded the cancellation, advocating that no artist supporting the current Russian regime ought to be given a platform in Europe.
In response, the Russian ambassador to Italy condemned the cancellation, branding it a “scandalous situation” and suggesting it is part of a broader “cancellation” policy aimed at suppressing Russian culture. Once a celebrated conductor at prestigious Western venues, Gergiev has found himself increasingly isolated in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, with renowned institutions like Milan's La Scala and New York's Carnegie Hall cutting ties with him.
The situation escalated last week amidst a gathering of European leaders in Italy committed to supporting Ukraine and planning for post-war reconstruction, highlighting an increasing cultural and political divide shaped by the ongoing conflict. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been a vocal opponent of Putin, reinforcing the nation's stance against collaborating with pro-Kremlin figures.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli characterized the organizers’ decision as “common sense,” emphasizing the need to uphold the values associated with the free world. The concert, part of the Un'Estate da RE festival, was set to take place at the Royal Palace of Caserta, although no official explanation was provided for its cancellation.
The Ukrainian government had previously called for the cancellation, labeling Gergiev as "Putin's mouthpiece" and arguing that he should not be allowed to perform anywhere as long as Russian aggression continues. Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the assassinated Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, also applauded the cancellation, advocating that no artist supporting the current Russian regime ought to be given a platform in Europe.
In response, the Russian ambassador to Italy condemned the cancellation, branding it a “scandalous situation” and suggesting it is part of a broader “cancellation” policy aimed at suppressing Russian culture. Once a celebrated conductor at prestigious Western venues, Gergiev has found himself increasingly isolated in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, with renowned institutions like Milan's La Scala and New York's Carnegie Hall cutting ties with him.
The situation escalated last week amidst a gathering of European leaders in Italy committed to supporting Ukraine and planning for post-war reconstruction, highlighting an increasing cultural and political divide shaped by the ongoing conflict. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been a vocal opponent of Putin, reinforcing the nation's stance against collaborating with pro-Kremlin figures.
