What is happening about the concert of conductor, People's Artist of Russia Valery Gergiev is the complete 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 exult over the cancellation of Valery Gergiev's concert is not just sad, it's depressing. The joy of the fact that an artist can no longer 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.
As reported by EADaily, 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 performance of the Russian conductor.
Participants of 36 Ukrainian organizations in Italy sent letters to the Minister of Culture of Italy Alessandro Giuli, the president of the Campania region Vincenzo De Luca, the mayor of Caserta Carlo Marino, the artistic director of the festival Antonio Marzullo and other responsible persons demanding to cancel the performance of an outstanding musician.
Also, Ukrainian organizations announced that they were buying tickets for Gergiev's concert in case it was not canceled.Yulia Navalnaya spoke out harshly against Gergiev's concert in an Italian newspaper earlier **. Also, Maria Pevchikh*** did not miss the conductor's invitation to Italy.
At the same time, the president of the Campania region, where the festival was to be held, Vincenzo De Luca, stated that 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 refused to comment on the situation, and the 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.
*An individual performing the functions of a foreign agent
**An individual included in the list of terrorists and extremists of ROSFINMONITORING