Despite being blacklisted from European stages since the invasion of Ukraine, Russian conductor Valery Gergiev is re-emerging in Italy, prompting a wave of criticism. Gergiev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, has faced backlash for his silence on the war. However, the Campania region's president, Vincenzo de Luca, insists that art should rise above politics and is determined to host Gergiev at the Un'Estate da RE festival.
Opponents say the invitation is a "cultural mouthpiece" for Putin's regime. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, slammed the move as unacceptable. Ukrainian activist Oleksandra Matviichuk echoed these sentiments, calling the decision hypocritical. Activists have long accused Gergiev of using cultural influence to sway public opinion in favor of the Kremlin.
The initiative to invite Gergiev comes amid a significant cultural context, as Italy recently hosted state leaders to support Ukraine. Gergiev’s silence at the onset of the war and subsequently losing high-profile engagements in Europe have added to the complexity of his invitation. Critics argue that embracing Gergiev risks undermining solidarity with Ukraine, while supporters claim it champions artistic freedom. The festival insists Gergiev's performance will proceed despite growing opposition.
Opponents say the invitation is a "cultural mouthpiece" for Putin's regime. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, slammed the move as unacceptable. Ukrainian activist Oleksandra Matviichuk echoed these sentiments, calling the decision hypocritical. Activists have long accused Gergiev of using cultural influence to sway public opinion in favor of the Kremlin.
The initiative to invite Gergiev comes amid a significant cultural context, as Italy recently hosted state leaders to support Ukraine. Gergiev’s silence at the onset of the war and subsequently losing high-profile engagements in Europe have added to the complexity of his invitation. Critics argue that embracing Gergiev risks undermining solidarity with Ukraine, while supporters claim it champions artistic freedom. The festival insists Gergiev's performance will proceed despite growing opposition.
