In a significant move reflecting ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, organisers of the Un'Estate da RE music festival in Italy cancelled a planned concert by renowned Russian conductor Valery Gergiev. Under scrutiny for his steadfast support of President Putin, Gergiev was set to lead an ensemble from St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre at the historic Royal Palace of Caserta near Naples later this month.
The decision follows days of backlash from critics of the Kremlin and human rights advocates, who have long protested Gergiev's presence on international stages, especially after the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Gergiev, revered in the classical music world, has faced widespread rejection from Western venues due to his refusal to denounce the invasion.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the cancellation as "common sense," asserting that it upholds the "values of the free world." Ukraine had previously urged Italian authorities to cancel Gergiev’s performance, denouncing him as "Putin's mouthpiece" and asserting that he should not be welcomed while Russian military aggression continues.
Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, praised the decision on social media, firmly stating that no artist who supports the regime should have a platform in Europe.
In response, Moscow's ambassador to Italy condemned the cancellation as a "scandalous situation," characterizing it as part of a broader trend to "cancel" Russian culture.
Gergiev, previously the artistic leader of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, enjoyed a prosperous career in the West but has been progressively sidelined following the conflict in Ukraine. Prestigious institutions such as Milan's La Scala and the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra have severed ties with him, igniting discussions about the implications of cultural exchanges amidst global political strife.
The controversy surrounding Gergiev's planned performance intensified during a crucial week in Italy, where European heads of state gathered to show support for Ukraine and strategize on reconstruction efforts post-conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has consistently voiced her criticism of Putin, adding to the complexity of Italy's stance on Russian cultural figures like Gergiev who have become embroiled in political discourse.
The decision follows days of backlash from critics of the Kremlin and human rights advocates, who have long protested Gergiev's presence on international stages, especially after the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Gergiev, revered in the classical music world, has faced widespread rejection from Western venues due to his refusal to denounce the invasion.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the cancellation as "common sense," asserting that it upholds the "values of the free world." Ukraine had previously urged Italian authorities to cancel Gergiev’s performance, denouncing him as "Putin's mouthpiece" and asserting that he should not be welcomed while Russian military aggression continues.
Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, praised the decision on social media, firmly stating that no artist who supports the regime should have a platform in Europe.
In response, Moscow's ambassador to Italy condemned the cancellation as a "scandalous situation," characterizing it as part of a broader trend to "cancel" Russian culture.
Gergiev, previously the artistic leader of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, enjoyed a prosperous career in the West but has been progressively sidelined following the conflict in Ukraine. Prestigious institutions such as Milan's La Scala and the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra have severed ties with him, igniting discussions about the implications of cultural exchanges amidst global political strife.
The controversy surrounding Gergiev's planned performance intensified during a crucial week in Italy, where European heads of state gathered to show support for Ukraine and strategize on reconstruction efforts post-conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has consistently voiced her criticism of Putin, adding to the complexity of Italy's stance on Russian cultural figures like Gergiev who have become embroiled in political discourse.
