Concert by Putin ally Valery Gergiev cancelled in Italy
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Russian conductor Valery Gergiev’s Italy concert canceled amid controversy
The concert planned for the end of July in Italy, to be led by the internationally acclaimed Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, has been canceled amid ongoing controversy. The decision to cancel the concert was met with approval by Ukraine supporters in Italy. The Russian Embassy in Rome responded via Telegram, arguing that those who believe canceling the concert harms Russia are mistaken, claiming instead that the real loss is to Italy’s own credibility. The Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli warned that the concert could be seen as propaganda, emphasizing, “Art is free and should not be censored, but propaganda is different”
The concert planned for the end of July in Italy, to be led by the internationally acclaimed Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, has been canceled amid ongoing controversy.
Gergiev, recognized for his close association with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was due to lead a performance on July 27 at the Caserta Royal Palace near Naples, as part of a cultural festival. This event has sparked significant debate within the country.
Italian media agency ANSA reports that the organizers of the Caserta Royal Palace, the venue for the festival, decided to cancel the concert in response to the controversies linked to the Russian maestro.
The decision to cancel the concert was met with approval by Ukraine supporters in Italy.
Demonstrators in Milan protesting the planned attendance of Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, known for his close ties to President Vladimir Putin, July 19, 2925. (AFP Photo)
The Russian Embassy in Rome responded via Telegram, arguing that those who believe canceling Gergiev’s concert harms Russia are mistaken, claiming instead that the real loss is to Italy’s own credibility.
Press reports noted that Gergiev’s scheduled July 27 concert at the Caserta Royal Palace would have effectively lifted the European ban on his performances, but this was reversed.
Gergiev at center of controversy
The news of Gergiev conducting a concert in Italy sparked backlash, particularly from Ukrainian advocates in Italy, including Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, who died in prison in 2024. The Italian government also distanced itself from the event.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli warned that the concert could be seen as propaganda, emphasizing, “Art is free and should not be censored, but propaganda is different—even if presented skillfully. Therefore, the concert by Putin’s ally Valery Gergiev, funded and requested by the Campania Region at the Caserta Palace, risks sending the wrong message.”
A petition was launched calling for Gergiev to step down from the concert, but Vincenzo De Luca, the head of Campania’s regional government who invited Gergiev, rejected calls for cancellation.
Previously, Gergiev’s planned performance at Milan’s La Scala, scheduled shortly after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, was canceled because he did not publicly condemn the attack.
Concert by Putin ally Valery Gergiev cancelled in Italy
Concert by Putin ally Gergiev cancelled in Italy for Un’Estate da RE festival. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said the cancellation protected the “values of the free world” Ukraine on Sunday had urged organisers to drop the performance, calling him “Putin’s mouthpiece” The 72-year-old has been barred from Western stages since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
2 hours ago Share Save Alex Kleiderman BBC News Share Save
Reuters
The organisers of a music festival in Italy have cancelled a concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev after days of criticism from Kremlin critics and human rights campaigners. Gergiev, an ally of President Putin, was due to lead an Italian orchestra and soloists from St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre in a performance at a former royal palace near Naples later this month. The 72 year old has been barred from Western stages since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which he has refused to condemn. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said the cancellation by the organisers of the Un’Estate da RE festival was “common sense” and protected the “values of the free world”.
The Royal Palace of Caserta gave no official reason for cancelling the concert on 27 July, which was being staged as part of the wider music programme. Ukraine on Sunday had urged organisers to drop Gergiev’s performance, calling him “Putin’s mouthpiece” who should not be welcomed anywhere “as long as Russian forces continue to commit atrocities”. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, welcomed the cancellation, describing it as “good news”, in a post on X. “No artist who supports the current dictatorship in Russia should be welcomed in Europe,” she said. But Moscow’s ambassador to Italy said the decision was a “scandalous situation” and part of a “policy of ‘cancelling’ Russian culture”. Gergiev, the director of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Russian state theatres, regularly played in leading Western venues before the invasion of Ukraine. Institutions, including Milan’s La Scala, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and New York’s Carnegie Hall later severed ties with him.
Reuters
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Pro-Putin conductor canceled by Italy after backlash
Valery Gergiev is a staunch supporter of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. He was slated to perform at the major Un’Estate da Re festival near Naples. It would have been his first concert in the European Union since Russia’s full-scale invasion of
Gergiev, who is a staunch supporter of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, was slated to perform at the major Un’Estate da Re festival at the vast 18th century Royal Palace of Caserta, near Naples, on July 27. It would have been his first concert in the European Union since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago.
Putting Gergiev on the line-up drew plenty of criticism last week. The performance “risks sending the wrong message,” said Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, also spoke out against it.
Valery Gergiev’s Italy Concert Canceled Amid Controversy: Putin Ally Faces Backlash
A music festival in Italy canceled a concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev due to criticism from human rights advocates and Kremlin critics. The controversy reflects a growing trend of cultural institutions reevaluating their ties with Russian artists amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The incident raises critical questions about the role of art in political discourse. Should artists who support oppressive regimes be welcomed in democratic societies? It is essential for cultural leaders to consider the broader implications of their choices. Will they prioritize artistic freedom or political accountability?
www.bbc.com
The cancellation of a concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev has sparked significant debate, highlighting the intersection of culture and politics. Scheduled for 2025-07-21 19:47:00 at the Royal Palace of Caserta, the concert was part of the Un’Estate da RE festival. Gergiev, a close ally of President Putin, has faced backlash due to his refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
6 Key Takeaways Concert featuring Valery Gergiev cancelled in Italy
Gergiev an ally of President Putin
Italy’s Culture Minister calls cancellation “common sense”
Ukraine labels Gergiev “Putin’s mouthpiece”
Moscow’s ambassador criticizes “cancelling” Russian culture
Gergiev’s ties with Western venues severed post-invasion
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the decision to cancel as “common sense,” emphasizing the need to uphold the “values of the free world.” This cancellation comes after Ukraine urged festival organizers to drop Gergiev, labeling him “Putin’s mouthpiece.” The controversy reflects a growing trend of cultural institutions reevaluating their ties with Russian artists amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Fast Answer: The cancellation of Valery Gergiev’s concert in Italy underscores the global impact of political affiliations on cultural events amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This incident raises critical questions about the role of art in political discourse. Should artists who support oppressive regimes be welcomed in democratic societies? The implications are profound:
Artistic expression can be a reflection of political values.
Cultural institutions are increasingly scrutinizing affiliations with controversial figures.
Public sentiment is shifting towards accountability in the arts.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to influence cultural exchanges worldwide, prompting a reevaluation of how nations engage with Russian artists.
As the world navigates these complex issues, it is essential for cultural leaders to consider the broader implications of their choices. Will they prioritize artistic freedom or political accountability?