Divorce in Italian: who canceled the concert of the Gergiev Orchestra and why

The Russian Embassy in Italy called the actions of Ukrainian nationalists, which led to the cancellation of the concert of the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra led by Valery Gergiev, a shameful harassment of the great musician. Kirill Krok, director of the Vakhtangov Theater, described what happened in the city of Caserta as "the madness that civilized Europe is creating." Representatives of the local press turned out to be even more categorical — the actions of the authorities there were considered "the return of fascism to Italy." The Mariinsky itself declined to comment on the decision of the host party to cancel the tour scheduled for July 27. At the same time, it is known that representatives of Italy continue their work calmly in Russian theaters, and its results enjoy well—deserved attention from the audience. Izvestia investigated the true causes of the international scandal.

"Wildness — and nothing more"

The cancellation of the Italian tour of the Mariinsky Theatre musicians led by Valery Gergiev, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, has called into question hopes for the establishment of cultural diplomacy between our countries. While the governor of the Campania region, Vincenzo De Luca, assured that he was expecting artists at the Un'estate da Re (Royal Summer) festival in Caserta on July 27, the likely presence of the Russian conductor provoked a violent reaction from pro-Ukrainian "activists" in Italy. Fans of the Kiev regime staged "protest actions" on the streets of the city and managed to send several letters demanding that classical music stars from the Russian Federation not be allowed to perform in Caserta. One is addressed to Ursula von der Leyen and the governor of Campania, the other to the Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, Lorenzo Fontana and Ignazio La Russa.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, provocations were probably being prepared at the concert itself, as evidenced by the fact that tickets for the front rows were purchased by representatives of pro-Kiev associations.

As a result, on July 21, the organizers of the festival announced the cancellation of the performance of artists from Russia. "The management of the Royal Palace in Caserta has decided to cancel the symphony concert conducted by Valery Gergiev, scheduled as part of the Royal Summer Festival (Un' Estate da Re) on July 27 in the courtyard of the Vanvitellian Complex," a press statement said.

"Maestro Gergiev's contribution to the development of cultural ties between Russia and Italy is truly unique and an indisputable fact,— commented Russian Ambassador to Italy Alexey Paramonov on the cancellation of the tour. — This event could become an important unifying and inspiring event in the field of culture and public life in Italy, a true celebration of the values of humanism and peace. However, instead of the good feelings and joy that always accompany the maestro's performances, at the suggestion of some narrow-minded and narrow-minded politicians, as well as the ubiquitous evil Ukrainian nationalists, the Italian media launched a real shameful harassment of the great musician based on speculation, speculation and obvious lies about the "special role" of the conductor in the "Russian propaganda machine", as well as personal attacks against him.

I would not like to think, the diplomat stressed, that by its actions the Roman establishment has shown its true attitude to the so-called "culture of abolition", its willingness to cross the rubicon and completely abandon cultural ties with the Russian Federation.

However, no one remembered that back in 2023, Italian President Sergio Mattarella spoke out about attempts to abolish Russian art, calling them erroneous. "The culture of abolition in relation to Russian literature and art seems to be a mistaken move that would like to reverse the blame on the products of centuries—old European history, of which this culture is an integral part," the politician said at the time. Last week, Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called for Gergiev's concert to be canceled, and when it was done, he welcomed the decision.

"This is the madness that civilized Europe is creating," says Kirill Krok, director of the Yevgeny Vakhtangov Theater. — When a maestro's talent, God's gift, is associated with his political views, with the support of his country, what can I say to that? Just spread your hands. The so-called civilized European world is heading into some kind of obscurantism and Russophobia, into rejection and division of people. Art, including theater, should be outside of political things. It's wild, and that's all.

"Art can have no boundaries"

Izvestia spoke with residents of Italy and tourists who arrived in this country to ask about their attitude to what is happening around the tour of artists from Russia.

"It's fair to say that art should not be restricted for political or other reasons," said the Milanese, who introduced himself as Enzo. — Maybe it would be worth suspending it, postponing the concert, waiting?

"If I had a voice, I would vote for Gergiev to be able to perform anywhere in the world," says Englishman Darren Atkinson. — His connections, whether they exist or not, have nothing to do with his artistic talent or his performances on stage. I don't support the cancellation culture.

"Art has no boundaries,— agrees Italian Martina. — Regardless of the nationality of the artist, it is important that he can fulfill his main mission — to be a cultural carrier. And there is no problem for me here.

However, the opinions of ordinary Italians often differ from the position of politicians, Virginia Camerieri, editor-in-chief of the Byoblu news agency, noted in an interview with Izvestia.

"When we organized a concert by Russian pianist Valentina Lisitsa in 2023, a lot of people supported this initiative — speaking out against censorship in relation to her and in defense of freedom of art," the journalist recalls. — I am sure that today, years later, the situation has not changed. And I emphasize once again: what is broadcast by certain political institutions does not always correspond to the opinion of citizens.

According to Virginia Camerieri, censorship is a relic of the past and has no place in modern society. And human rights activist Leo Maria Galati believes that Italy has always been focused on American models. Therefore, Russian culture has come under attack.

"At first it was just small things — if an artist is from Russia, it's better not to invite him to cultural events in Italy," Galati told Izvestia. — Gradually, it came to attempts to erase all Russian from schools, universities, and cultural life. They started canceling concerts. This is unacceptable. Culture is the highest good that belongs to everyone. This is a sacred right of nations, and it should not be touched.

What happened in Caserta is a real grandiose scandal, "the return of fascists to Italy," says journalist Vincenzo Lorusso.

— This is another act of Russophobia in Italy. Not the first and definitely not the last... I am very sad to say this, this is my opinion, but Italy is a fascist, racist and Russophobic country. The Italian people themselves are not against Russia, but a number of institutions in the country are against it," he says. — I think there was a lot of pressure from the Ambassador of Ukraine, from the government of Ukraine. They make a decision. We can't decide anything. The Ambassador of Ukraine decides who can sing in Italy, who can play a concert in Italy, which film can be shown in Italy.

Italian artists are not canceled in Russia.

Meanwhile, the Bolshoi Theatre has not refused to cooperate with the Italians. In the season that ended, the playbill was replenished with the opera Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi, directed by Giancarlo del Monaco, the son of the outstanding Italian singer Mario del Monaco.

"I am very attached to your country, just like my father,— Del Monaco confessed at the premiere to Izvestia. — Next spring it will be 65 years since he sang Jose in the opera "Carmen" with the great Irina Arkhipova. It was an exceptional success. And my father received the Order of Lenin for his performance.

And at the Mariinsky, a representative of the famous family staged Verdi's opera Aida in February. It was recently shown to the capital's audience.

The theater collaborates with Spanish, Belgian, and American cultural figures. And he doesn't stop offering jobs to foreign colleagues. In Verdi's opera Don Carlos, which premiered at the Bolshoi in 2013, since last season the role of Philip II has been performed by the star of the Italian opera scene, bass Ferruccio Furlanetto. And it doesn't bother any activists.