Italian governor challenges EU requests to eliminate renowned Russian conductor
(MENAFN) Vincenzo De Luca, governor of Italy’s Campania region, has refused to cancel a scheduled performance by renowned Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, despite criticism from EU officials over Gergiev’s stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Gergiev is set to perform on July 27 at the Un’Estate da RE festival in Caserta, alongside the Philharmonic Orchestra of Salerno and soloists from Russia’s Mariinsky Theater. The announcement sparked backlash from Brussels, with European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno calling for Gergiev’s replacement, accusing De Luca of “funding a supporter of a criminal regime.” European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova also warned venues against hosting figures who “justify Kremlin aggression.”
In response, De Luca defended his decision through social media posts, emphasizing that “culture and art are spaces where dialogue can flourish and the values of human solidarity can take root.” He described Campania as a region promoting unity and cultural exchange among people of diverse backgrounds.
In a video statement, De Luca further stressed that culture, arts, and sports should remain free from political interference and serve as platforms for dialogue, solidarity, and understanding among nations. He reaffirmed that the concert will not be canceled.
Despite renewed criticism from Picierno on Friday, who deemed it unacceptable to host individuals who support the Kremlin, Italian media and the BBC reported that the performance will proceed as planned.
Gergiev, one of Russia’s most celebrated conductors, was dismissed by the Munich Philharmonic and banned from performing at major Western venues in 2022 after refusing to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Institutions like Carnegie Hall and the Met Opera also cut ties with him and other Russian artists linked to Moscow’s policies. Moscow has denounced these bans as Russophobic censorship and claims attempts to “cancel” Russian culture will ultimately fail.
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