Italy has called off a symphony performance led by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev. According to ANSA news agency, citing officials from Caserta's Royal Palace where the event was scheduled for July 27, the concert has been scrapped.
No specific reasons were provided for the cancellation. However, ANSA reported that the planned performance by Putin's longtime associate had "triggered intense debate and concerns about potential demonstrations by Ukrainian groups" on July 20.
Alexei Navalny's team, which campaigned heavily against the event, celebrated the decision: "Great news—Gergiev's concert in Italy is off! Next step: sanctions against Gergiev!"
When contacted by TASS, Gergiev stated he was unaware of any cancellation regarding his Italian performance.
The conductor served as Putin's campaign representative during the 2012 and 2018 presidential elections. He publicly backed Crimea's annexation in 2014 and has remained silent on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.