Gergiev's concert cancellation showcases Italy's cultural and political stance against the Kremlin amid the Ukraine crisis.
Cancellation of Pro-Kremlin Conductor Gergiev’s Concert Sparks Outcry in Italy
Cancellation of Pro-Kremlin Conductor Gergiev’s Concert Sparks Outcry in Italy
Organizers halt the performance citing moral responsibility amidst ongoing criticism and political tensions.
The organizers of a prominent music festival in Italy have announced the cancellation of a planned concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a known ally of President Vladimir Putin. This decision comes after mounting pressure from activists and critics of the Kremlin, which has seen Gergiev banned from stages across the West since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a conflict he notably has not condemned.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the cancellation from the Un'Estate da RE festival as an act of “common sense,” reinforcing the commitment to "the values of the free world." Set to take place at the historic Royal Palace of Caserta near Naples on July 27, the event's organizers had faced global scrutiny for including Gergiev amidst ongoing atrocities committed in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials had already urged for Gergiev's removal from the lineup, branding him as "Putin's mouthpiece" and asserting he should not perform in Europe as long as the war continues. Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, expressed approval of the cancellation on social media, insisting that no artist who aligns with the "current dictatorship" should hold space in European culture.
In response to the cancellation, the Russian ambassador to Italy condemned the decision, labeling it a "scandalous situation" and accusing Italy of pursuing a "cancellation" campaign against Russian culture. Gergiev, who previously held prominence at leading Western venues, has seen his career significantly impacted since the escalation of conflict in Ukraine.
The controversy surrounding Gergiev's scheduled performance coincides with a significant summit in Italy, where European leaders gathered to express solidarity with Ukraine and discuss potential reconstruction efforts post-conflict. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a vocal opponent of Putin, had initially supported the cultural festival, highlighting the tension between political ideology and artistic expression.
