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Italy Cancels Gergiev Concert at Reggia di Caserta

The culture minister says the move protects free-world values following intense public pressure over a maestro’s Kremlin ties.

Overview

  • The Royal Palace of Caserta’s directorate formally called off the July 27 performance by Valery Gergiev without giving a reason, overruling regional organizers.
  • Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli praised the decision as “common sense” aimed at defending democratic values against potential propaganda.
  • More than 16,000 petitioners, among them Nobel laureates and international activists led by Yulia Navalnaya, had urged authorities to block the conductor’s appearance.
  • Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca had staunchly defended Gergiev’s right to perform, arguing that artists should not be penalized for their governments’ policies.
  • Russia’s ambassador to Italy, Alexei Paramonov, denounced the cancellation as politicized censorship and accused Italy of bowing to external lobbying.