Vincenzo De Luca, the governor of the Italian region of Campania, has refused to cancel a performance by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, despite pressure from EU officials. The famous orchestra conductor is scheduled to perform on July 27 with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Salerno, along with soloists from Russia’s Mariinsky Theater.
European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno accused the governor of “financing a supporter of a criminal regime” and demanded that Gergiev be prevented from performing. Then European Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova added the warning to other European venues against performers “who justify Kremlin aggression.”
De Luca proceeded to publicly reject such demands. He posted various explanations, defending his action: “Culture and art are spaces where dialogue can flourish and the values of human solidarity can take root.” And “Campania is a region of unity” which has always promoted “encounters between people of diverse sensibilities.”
In a video address, he stated: “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.” So, he reiterated, he refuses to cancel the performance.
Yesterday, after the EU Parliament Vice President Picierno renewed her attack, various Italian media, along with BBC, cited both sources close to the concert organizers and Gergiev’s spokesman that the concert will proceed as planned.
