Italy cancels concert with pro-Putin conductor Gergiev amid political backlash

Monday 21 July 2025 - 14:45

Italian authorities have cancelled a planned concert featuring Russian conductor Valery Gergiev following public and political criticism due to his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The performance was scheduled for Sunday, July 27, near Naples and was set to include Italian musicians and soloists from Russia’s Mariinsky Theatre, which Gergiev directs. However, the announcement of his appearance sparked an outcry in Italy and abroad, given Gergiev's vocal support for the Kremlin and his silence on the war in Ukraine.

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano welcomed the cancellation, calling it a "decision of common sense" and emphasizing the importance of distancing national cultural institutions from figures associated with controversial political regimes.

Gergiev, a world-renowned conductor, has faced international backlash since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He has been removed from prominent positions and concert programs across Europe and the United States due to his perceived support of Putin and refusal to publicly denounce the war.

Despite the controversy, Russia’s ambassador to Italy downplayed the decision, stating it would not seriously damage cultural ties between the two countries.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between Russia and much of the Western cultural world, as many institutions continue to reconsider engagements with Russian artists closely linked to the government.