Gergiev's Concert Cancelled Amidst Rising Criticism in Italy

Pressure mounts on performing arts to reject collaborations with figures linked to the Kremlin, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.

The organizers of an Italian music festival have decided to cancel an upcoming concert by renowned conductor Valery Gergiev, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This decision comes after significant backlash from both Kremlin critics and human rights advocates, who have voiced their concerns over Gergiev's association with the Russian government amid ongoing conflicts.

The concert, which was set for later this month at the historic Royal Palace of Caserta near Naples, was to feature Gergiev conducting an orchestra along with soloists from St Petersburg's famous Mariinsky Theatre. Despite his stature as a leading figure in classical music, Gergiev, 72, has faced increasing isolation on Western stages following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022—a move he has not publicly condemned.

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli praised the festival's decision to cancel the event, emphasizing that it aligns with the "values of the free world." The concert was part of the Un'Estate da RE festival, which has garnered attention for its programming decisions in light of political climates.

Ukraine's government had previously urged festival organizers to reconsider their invitation to Gergiev, labeling him "Putin's mouthpiece" and arguing that he should not be welcomed internationally until the end of hostilities perpetrated by Russian forces. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, expressed her approval of the cancellation, stating through social media that "No artist who supports the current dictatorship in Russia should be welcomed in Europe."

Conversely, the Russian ambassador to Italy criticized the cancellation as a "scandalous situation," reflecting a growing belief among some in Moscow that there is a concerted effort to "cancel" Russian culture on the world stage.

Gergiev, who has directed both the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, once enjoyed frequent performances at major Western venues, such as La Scala in Milan and Carnegie Hall in New York. However, following the onset of the Ukraine war, many prestigious institutions have severed ties with him.

The controversy surrounding Gergiev's planned performance gained significant momentum last week, coinciding with a gathering in Italy of European heads of state reaffirming support for Ukraine. This situation exemplifies the complexities of cultural and political diplomacy in the shadow of global conflict, with cultural figures increasingly caught in the crossfire.