Italy Cancels Concert Featuring Top Russian Conductor Amid Criticism

Following widespread criticism over the participating Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, Italian authorities have canceled a classical concert scheduled for this Sunday. The concert, seen as controversial due to Gergiev's close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was initially set to take place at the Reggia di Caserta, a notable 18th-century palace near Naples.

Gergiev, known for his affiliations with Moscow's political sphere, was expected to lead an Italian orchestra and soloists from St Petersburg's historic Mariinsky Theatre. The event faced backlash from Italian politicians and international activists, such as Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of a noted Russian opposition leader, who labeled Gergiev as an 'accomplice' of Putin.

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli applauded the cancellation, citing its alignment with moral commitments and the protection of free world values. This development comes after many Western cultural institutions severed ties with Gergiev last year over his refusal to denounce Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)