A music festival in Italy, the Un'Estate da RE, has officially cancelled an upcoming concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a long-time ally of President Vladimir Putin. The decision comes in light of mounting criticism from human rights advocates and Kremlin detractors, highlighting Gergiev’s controversial support for the Russian government, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Scheduled for July 27 at a historic palace near Naples, the concert would have featured an Italian orchestra and soloists from St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre.
Gergiev's Concert Cancelled Amid Criticism in Italy
Gergiev's Concert Cancelled Amid Criticism in Italy
Controversial Russian conductor Valery Gergiev's concert in Italy has been axed following backlash from cultural and human rights activists.
Valery Gergiev, 72, has faced extensive backlash since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, during which he has notably failed to condemn the military actions. The Italian Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, labeled the cancellation as a display of "common sense" in defense of "the values of the free world." Ukraine’s government had pressured organizers to rescind Gergiev's invitation, condemning him as "Putin's mouthpiece" and emphasizing that he should not be welcomed in any capacity until Russian forces cease their aggressive actions.
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, celebrated the decision as "good news," asserting that no artist endorsing the current Russian regime should receive a platform in Europe. In contrast, the Russian ambassador to Italy condemned the cancellation as a "scandalous situation," framing it as part of a broader initiative to undermine Russian cultural figures.
Gergiev, who has held prominent positions with prestigious institutions like the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, was once a staple of Western classical music stages. However, following the invasion of Ukraine, he has been systematically barred from multiple venues, including the famed Carnegie Hall and Milan's La Scala. The uproar regarding his concert coincides with Italy's strong support for Ukraine, exemplified by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s unwavering criticism of Putin's government.
As discussions about cultural ties continue, the future of Gergiev’s career remains uncertain, posing questions about the intersection of art, politics, and international relations in this challenging global climate.
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, celebrated the decision as "good news," asserting that no artist endorsing the current Russian regime should receive a platform in Europe. In contrast, the Russian ambassador to Italy condemned the cancellation as a "scandalous situation," framing it as part of a broader initiative to undermine Russian cultural figures.
Gergiev, who has held prominent positions with prestigious institutions like the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, was once a staple of Western classical music stages. However, following the invasion of Ukraine, he has been systematically barred from multiple venues, including the famed Carnegie Hall and Milan's La Scala. The uproar regarding his concert coincides with Italy's strong support for Ukraine, exemplified by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s unwavering criticism of Putin's government.
As discussions about cultural ties continue, the future of Gergiev’s career remains uncertain, posing questions about the intersection of art, politics, and international relations in this challenging global climate.
