As Valery Gergiev prepares for a concert in Italy, he faces backlash for his long-standing ties to Putin and silence on the war in Ukraine.
**Italy Invites Controversial Conductor Gergiev Back Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict**
**Italy Invites Controversial Conductor Gergiev Back Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict**
Italy's decision to allow pro-Kremlin conductor Valery Gergiev to perform sparks outrage and debate over cultural diplomacy.
Valery Gergiev, the renowned Russian conductor and notable ally of Vladimir Putin, is set to return to European stages after years of being barred following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The controversial invitation comes from the Campania region in southern Italy, where local governor Vincenzo de Luca declared that Gergiev will conduct at the Un'Estate da RE festival later this month. As protests against the concert grow, critics argue that Gergiev represents the Kremlin's cultural agenda and should not be celebrated.
Gergiev, who has historically remained silent on the war, has been shunned by European orchestras since the conflict escalated in 2022. De Luca's stance reflects his belief that culture should remain devoid of political influence, stating, "We do not ask these men to answer for the choices made by politicians." However, this decision has drawn fierce criticism from various quarters, including political figures like Pina Picierno, vice-president of the European Parliament, who branded it "absolutely unacceptable."
Human rights advocate Oleksandra Matviichuk also condemned the invitation, labeling the move as hypocrisy rather than neutrality, and calling for solidarity with Ukraine. Opposition from within Russia has emerged as well, with the Anti-Corruption Foundation urging the cancellation of Gergiev's concert and seeking to have him barred from entering Italy.
Before the war, Gergiev enjoyed a celebrated career in Europe, but his performances ceased abruptly following the onset of military aggression on Ukraine. He was dropped from major concert engagements after he refused to denounce the war. The invitation from Italy has raised questions about tolerance for creativity amid geopolitical tensions, with critics warning that allowing Gergiev to perform could help legitimize Putin's regime.
Pro-Gergiev sentiments have emerged as well. Alfredo Antoniozzi, a senior member of Italy's ruling Brothers of Italy party, argued against penalizing artists for their government's actions, stating that what Gergiev represents is a form of cultural genocide. Meanwhile, the European Union has yet to impose formal sanctions against him, despite widespread condemnation.
The backdrop to this cultural controversy includes Italy's ongoing efforts to reaffirm support for Ukraine among European leaders. While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has remained vocally anti-Putin, her culture ministry supports the festival that has invited Gergiev. The situation presents a delicate balancing act between cultural expression and political accountability amid the ongoing conflict.
