Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, known for his close association with President Vladimir Putin, has had his scheduled concert in Italy canceled following heavy scrutiny and public outcry. The concert was set to take place at a historic royal palace near Naples as part of the Un'Estate da RE music festival. Critics, including human rights activists and supporters of Ukraine, expressed that Gergiev should not be welcomed in Western culture spaces while the conflict continues.
The Italian Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, characterized the decision as “common sense,” underlining the importance of upholding "the values of the free world." Gergiev, who has not condemned Russia's military actions, has been banned from appearing on Western stages since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ukraine's advocates, including Yulia Navalnaya, widow of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, applauded the festival's decision, stating that no artist supporting the Russian regime should perform in Europe. In contrast, Moscow’s ambassador to Italy decried the cancellation, labelling it a “scandalous situation” aimed at “cancelling” Russian culture.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly opposes Putin's actions and was partially responsible for supporting the festival under scrutiny. Gergiev’s past includes performances at prestigious venues like La Scala and Carnegie Hall, but recent events have severed many of his international ties. The controversy intensified when Italy hosted European leaders to show support for Ukraine, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding cultural connections with Russia.
