The cancellation of a concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev by organisers of an Italian music festival has drawn significant attention. Gergiev, a close supporter of President Putin, was scheduled to lead a performance with musicians from St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre at a historic venue near Naples.
Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the 72-year-old conductor has faced exclusion from Western stages due to his unwillingness to denounce the actions of the Kremlin. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli characterized the festival’s decision as a demonstration of “common sense,” emphasizing the need to uphold the “values of the free world”.
Ukraine’s government had been vocal about their disapproval of Gergiev’s participation, labeling him a “mouthpiece for Putin” and asserting that he shouldn’t perform while Russian military actions continue. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the slain opposition leader Alexei Navalny, termed the cancellation as “good news,” advocating against welcoming artists who support Russia’s current regime.
In contrast, Russia’s ambassador to Italy expressed outrage at the decision, claiming it reflects an ongoing effort to “cancel” Russian cultural contributions. Gergiev, who has historically performed in prestigious venues like Milan’s La Scala and New York’s Carnegie Hall, finds his reputation tarnished amidst geopolitical tensions as discussions to support Ukraine intensify in Europe.
Source: www.bbc.com
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