A concert by top Russian conductor Valery Gergiev in Italy was cancelled following widespread criticism. The event, scheduled to take place on July 27 at the Reggia di Caserta, would have been his first in Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Gergiev has repeatedly expressed support for Vladimir Putin and has performed concerts in countries like Syria under Russian occupation.
Critics argued that hosting Gergiev’s performance would send a wrong message to victims of Putin’s war against Ukraine. Over 16,000 people, including Nobel laureates and politicians, signed a letter calling for the concert to be cancelled. The cancellation was celebrated by many, with critics hailing it as a victory over those who would support Putin.
Gergiev has faced backlash in Europe for refusing to condemn Putin over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was previously fired from several European concerts and festivals for his stance on the matter. Gergiev’s US agent remains unconfirmed as commenting on the incident.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/21/russian-conductor-valery-gergiev-italian-concert-called-off-after-outcry-putin