Russia’s top conductor Valery Gergiev is set to perform in southern Italy despite being barred from European stages since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The 76-year-old maestro has been a close ally of Vladimir Putin for years and has never spoken out against the war.
A region in Campania, Italy, has invited Gergiev back to Europe with a concert at the Un’Estate da RE festival later this month. Local leader Vincenzo de Luca insists that culture should not be influenced by politics, but critics say it’s hypocritical to welcome a pro-Putin artist.
European Parliament vice-president Pina Picierno has called Gergiev’s return “absolutely unacceptable,” saying he is a “cultural mouthpiece for Putin and his crimes.” Ukrainian human rights activist Oleksandra Matviichuk also condemned the invitation, calling it “hypocrisy.”
Despite the controversy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s culture ministry is backing the festival, with one MP describing Gergiev as “simply a great artist.” The European Union has shied away from formal sanctions against the conductor.
Gergiev has been a vocal supporter of Putin since the 1990s and has backed Russia’s annexation of Crimea. He was recently banned from entry in Canada and had his assets frozen. Gergiev’s return to Europe is seen as a sign that he is being rehabilitated, but critics argue it would be wrong and dangerous to allow him to perform.
The Un’Estate da RE festival will go ahead despite the criticism, with local officials confident that Gergiev’s performance will take place. The event has sparked controversy in Italy, with many calling for the concert to be cancelled.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxw4n7vy70o