What is happening about the concert of conductor, People’s Artist of Russia Valery Gergiev is the exact opposite of what should happen in a democratic society. This is stated in a statement by members of the Italian parliament from the opposition 5-Star Movement (Movimento 5 stelle), members of the cultural commissions in both chambers.
“To see Minister Giuli (Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli) and various political figures rejoicing over the cancellation of Valery Gergiev’s concert is not just sad, it’s depressing. The joy of an artist no longer being able to perform because of his ideas or personal friendships is the exact opposite of what should happen in a democratic society. The very democracy that many politicians supposedly protect, but in fact violate,” the text of the statement says.
“Art can be challenged, discussed, criticized. It cannot be erased,” the deputies concluded.
Gergiev was scheduled to perform on July 27, 2025 at the Royal Palace of Caserta with the Philharmonic Orchestra from Salerno and the soloists of the Mariinsky Theater as part of the Un’estate da RE festival in southern Italy. On the eve of his concert, a real protest campaign unfolded, which was launched by the Vice-speaker of the European Parliament, Pina Picerno, who called for the cancellation of the Russian conductor’s performance.
Participants of 36 Ukrainian organizations in Italy sent letters to Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, President of the Campania region Vincenzo De Luca, Mayor of Caserta Carlo Marino, artistic director of the festival Antonio Marzullo and other responsible persons demanding to cancel the performance of the outstanding musician. Ukrainian organizations have also announced that they are buying tickets to Gergiev’s concert in case it is not canceled.
At the same time, Vincenzo De Luca, president of the Campania region, where the festival was to take place, said he would be “proud” to receive the Russian conductor. According to him, local authorities have always tried not to mix the political and cultural levels. The artistic director of the festival declined to comment on the situation, and a festival representative confidently stated that Gergiev’s concert would take place.
However, on July 21, it became known that the concert was canceled. There were concerns about possible protests organized by Ukrainian associations, the directorate of the Royal Palace of Caserta, where the concert was to take place, said in a statement.
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