Italian governor defends Russian conductor concert

(MENAFN) Italian regional governor Vincenzo De Luca has rejected calls from EU officials to cancel a scheduled concert by prominent Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, standing firm on his decision to host the artist despite political controversy over Gergiev's stance on the Ukraine conflict.

Gergiev is set to perform at the Un’Estate da RE festival in Caserta, Campania, on July 27, accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Salerno and soloists from Russia’s Mariinsky Theater.

The announcement sparked criticism in Brussels. European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno accused De Luca of “financing a supporter of a criminal regime,” while European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova warned against inviting individuals who “justify Kremlin aggression.”

In response, De Luca issued multiple statements defending his position, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural spaces from political interference.

“Culture and art are spaces where dialogue can flourish and the values of human solidarity can take root,” he wrote on social media.

“Campania is a region of unity” and one that has always encouraged “encounters between people of diverse sensibilities.”

In a video address, De Luca further stressed that the worlds of culture, art, and sport should remain independent of political agendas:

“The world of culture, art, and sports must remain free from politics and political agendas. It should be a space where dialogue, solidarity, and mutual understanding among people and nations can grow.”

Despite ongoing criticism, including renewed attacks from Picierno on Friday, sources close to the event’s organizers and Gergiev’s team told Italian media and a news agency that the concert will proceed as planned.

Valery Gergiev, a world-renowned conductor and close associate of the Kremlin, has faced boycotts and performance cancellations across Europe since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, De Luca’s stance has reignited debate over the role of cultural diplomacy amid geopolitical tensions.

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