Russia Condemns Italy’s Cancellation of Pro-Putin Conductor’s Concert

Moscow has expressed strong disapproval following Italy’s cancellation of a concert featuring conductor Valery Gergiev, known for his connections to the Kremlin. The concert was scheduled to take place at the historic Reggia di Caserta, near Naples, on July 27, 2024. Russian officials have labeled the cancellation as a discriminatory act driven by anti-Russian sentiment.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, condemned what she described as “discriminatory attempts at ‘cancel culture,'” accusing the Italian authorities of succumbing to pressure from Ukrainian nationalists. In her statement, Zakharova claimed that Italy had yielded to the influence of those advocating for the cancellation of the concert, which she attributed to ideological followers of Ukrainian nationalist leader Stepan Bandera.

Gergiev, who holds prominent positions as the head of both Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater and St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theater, has faced ongoing scrutiny due to his vocal support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The cancellation was prompted amid rising criticism from Italian politicians, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and activists opposed to the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine.

European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, a member of Italy’s Democratic Party, expressed her views in a conversation with POLITICO. She emphasized that Gergiev is “not just a simple conductor,” but a figure deeply intertwined with what she termed the Kremlin’s “criminal regime.” Picierno stated, “He has no right to have the podium in Europe. He lobbies for the war against Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s Deputy Culture Minister Andrii Nadzhos also weighed in, asserting that Kyiv considers Gergiev “guilty” in the ongoing conflict. Nadzhos highlighted the significance of distancing cultural figures from state propaganda, reinforcing the stance that Gergiev’s actions warrant condemnation.

Since his removal from Milan’s La Scala in 2022 for his refusal to denounce the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine, Gergiev has emerged as a controversial figure symbolizing the complex relationship between Russian cultural heritage and state-sponsored propaganda.

As of now, the Reggia di Caserta has not announced a replacement for Gergiev in the concert originally slated for this weekend. The decision reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding cultural events in Europe, particularly those involving artists linked to the Russian government.

The cancellation has sparked a broader discussion about the intersection of culture and politics, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As nations grapple with the implications of artistic collaboration in politically charged environments, the fallout from this incident may resonate far beyond the concert hall.