Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, who has faced a European performance ban since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is making headlines once more as a region in southern Italy extends an invitation to him. The conductor, known for his long-standing alliance with President Vladimir Putin, has not denounced the war, raising eyebrows with his anticipated performance at the Un'Estate da RE festival.
Vincenzo de Luca, the Campania region's president, defended the decision to welcome Gergiev, asserting that "culture must not be influenced by politics." Despite the potential backlash, he expressed pride in hosting the conductor, who was previously ostracized by European orchestras following the war's outbreak.
Critics have voiced their disdain for the decision, including Pina Picierno, a European Parliament vice-president, who vehemently labeled Gergiev a "cultural mouthpiece" for Putin. Oleksandra Matviichuk, a prominent Ukrainian human rights activist and Nobel laureate, characterized the invitation as an act of hypocrisy amidst the tragic backdrop of war.
Russian opposition groups echo this sentiment, as activists from Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation have called for the concert to be canceled and for Italy to prevent Gergiev's entry. The conductor previously performed widely across Europe before the war but fell from grace on February 24, 2022, the day of the invasion when he chose to remain silent against calls to denounce the aggression.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a vocal critic of Putin, finds herself in a complicated stance, as her culture ministry supports the festival. Meanwhile, some political voices argue that denying Gergiev a stage represents a form of cultural censorship, warning against societal backlash against all Russians for their leader's actions.
Throughout his career, Gergiev, who has held prestigious roles, including at London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, has been an unwavering supporter of Putin since the 1990s. His return to the European stage certainly complicates the ongoing discourse regarding the intersection of art, politics, and morality amidst raging international conflict.
The controversy comes as Italy is hosting European leaders to bolster support for Ukraine. The European Commission has not provided any funding to the festival but urged against performances from artists who contribute to pro-war narratives. Despite the pushback, festival organizers are confident Gergiev's performance will continue as scheduled.
