In a decisive move, the organizers of the Un'Estate da RE music festival in Italy have cancelled a scheduled concert featuring noted Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, who has faced extensive criticism for his ties to President Vladimir Putin. The performance, set against the backdrop of the historic Royal Palace of Caserta near Naples, was slated for later this month and intended to showcase an ensemble from St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre.
The cancellation follows numerous calls from human rights advocates and critics of the Kremlin, asserting that Gergiev should not be received warmly while Russia continues its aggressive actions in Ukraine. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli deemed the decision "common sense," emphasizing a commitment to uphold the "values of the free world."
Ukraine's appeal to avoid hosting Gergiev was echoed widely, labeling him a "mouthpiece for Putin" and asserting that accommodating him was unacceptable amid ongoing atrocities committed by Russian forces. Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, expressed her approval of the cancellation, insisting that no supporter of the Russian regime should be welcomed in Europe.
However, the cancellation has ignited significant backlash from Moscow, with the Russian ambassador to Italy condemning the decision as a "scandalous situation." This sentiment reflects a mounting concern over a wider trend of "cancel culture" that targets Russian artists and institutions in the wake of the Ukraine conflict.
Gergiev, who has served as a prominent figure in Russian classical music, including directorial roles at the Bolshoi Theatre and Mariinsky Theatre, has seen his opportunities in the West dramatically diminished following the onset of war in 2022. Major venues such as Milan's La Scala, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, and New York's Carnegie Hall have all severed ties with him in light of his refusal to distance himself from Putin's government.
The controversy surrounding Gergiev further emerged amidst heightened political discussions in Italy, as European leaders gathered to show solidarity with Ukraine and plan for its reconstruction post-conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, an outspoken critic of Putin, has notably supported the arts festival, indicating the challenges of navigating cultural diplomacy during turbulent geopolitical times.
