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Italy Cancels Putin-Linked Conductor’s Concert After Public Outrage
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![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
The Italian Culture Ministry confirmed the cancellation of Valery Gergiev’s July 21 performance at the Royal Palace of Caserta after significant public pressure from Ukrainian communities and activist groups, as was reported by ANSA on July 21.
Gergiev, the director of the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, has previously endorsed Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and signed a 2022 letter backing the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In the aftermath of those actions, major institutions across Europe and the US—including La Scala, the Munich Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall—have severed ties with him.
“The decision was made in light of the strong public reaction and in consideration of the artist’s positions, which are incompatible with the values of the Italian Republic,” Italy’s culture ministry said.
The cancellation was met with swift condemnation from Moscow. Russian ambassador to Italy Alexey Paramonov described the decision as “inappropriate” and politically motivated.
“It clearly shows that in Italy, under the full acquiescence of the authorities, small but loud and destructive forces are active,” Paramonov said.
“They are doing everything to provoke a negative perception of Italy in Russia and of Russia in Italy.
It is sad to see that the Italian government, contrary to its promises to protect sovereignty and national interests, is submitting its cultural policy to the demands of Ukrainian and other immigrants and their opposition lobby.”
The Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, had included the concert in its summer music series. No replacement event has been announced.
Earlier, it was reported that Russian conductor Valery Gergiev sparked significant public outrage in Italy ahead of his planned concert at the Royal Palace of Caserta, due to his close ties with Vladimir Putin and vocal support for Russia’s military actions.
-0158b6b681e3668f470de36aedad9e3c.jpg "Russian Su-24 bomber moments before Ukrainian drone strike, Crimea. (Source: HUR)")
