Italian officials have decided to invite Russian conductor Valery Gergiev to perform at the Un'Estate da RE festival in the Campania region, stirring controversy and backlash amidst ongoing tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine. Gergiev has been a close ally of President Vladimir Putin and has faced international condemnation following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
During a livestream announcement, Campania's regional leader Vincenzo de Luca affirmed that the concert would proceed, arguing, "Culture must not be influenced by politics and political logic." De Luca has previously criticized Europe's ban on pro-Kremlin artists, labeling it "a moment of madness," and expressed pride in welcoming Gergiev back to the stage.
However, this invitation has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Pina Picierno, a European Parliament vice-president, branded Gergiev "a cultural mouthpiece for Putin and his crimes," while Ukrainian human rights activist Oleksandra Matviichuk condemned the decision as "hypocrisy." Russian opposition activists and the Anti-Corruption Foundation, linked to the late Alexei Navalny, have also called for the cancellation of Gergiev's performance, emphasizing his role as a Kremlin envoy aiming to soften public perception in the West.
Before the war, Gergiev enjoyed a prominent presence on European stages, including notable positions such as chief conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and Munich Philharmonic. However, since the onset of the war, he has been excluded from various performances, with most European orchestras distancing themselves from his performances.
Gergiev's past is marred by his significant public endorsement of Putin and his policies, including backing the annexation of Crimea. He has been largely silent regarding the ongoing war, leading to a swift fall from grace as concert schedules were canceled and he lost management roles.
The current invitation has raised concerns in an atmosphere where Italy is reaffirming support for Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized Putin vehemently, yet her culture ministry supports the festival featuring Gergiev. Critics argue that hosting Gergiev would not only be misguided but could hinder serious efforts to confront the ongoing crisis and support Ukrainian sovereignty.
While formal sanctions against Gergiev have been limited, the European Union discourages platforms for artists supporting aggressive warfare. As the scheduled date approaches, local representatives remain optimistic that the performance will take place, asserting that cultural expression should exist independently from political affiliations. The growing tumult around the event highlights the complexities of art's role in contemporary geopolitical conflicts and cultural expressions amid war.
