Update: In response to the article, General Producer Arman Padaryan noted:  As the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra (ANPO) embarks on its centennial season, Armenia once again demonstrates its unique role as a cultural bridge and a “Crossroad of Peace.” This year, ANPO welcomes back one of its most significant artistic figures, Maestro Valery Gergiev, for a concert in Yerevan on {…}

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has accused Italy of discrimination after the cancelation of Valery Gergiev’s concert on July 27. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, said she was sorry Italian audiences would be deprived of the opportunity “to experience great Russian music performed by a renowned Russian conductor.” She added, “We strongly condemn such discriminatory attempts at ‘cancel culture,’ {…}

The Minister of Culture of Italy, Alessandro Gui, has called out Valery Gergiev’s concert at the Reggia di Caserta. Gui released a statement noting, “Art is Free and cannot be censored. Propaganda, however, even if done with talent, is something else.” He added, “That is why the concert by Putin’s friend and advisor Valery Gergiev, which the Campania Regional Government {…}

Italian Politicians are divided over Valery Gergiev’s return to conducting in Italy. The concert, which is set to be held on July 27 at the Reggia di Caserta, has been met with criticism and support because the festival in which Gergiev is performing is being bankrolled by the European Union. According to The New York Times, its funding flows, via {…}

(Photo by Valeri Guérguiev) Vice President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, is speaking out about Valery Gergiev’s return to Italy. In a statement to X, Picierno said, “It is unacceptable that European funds are being used to finance the performance of a Kremlin supporter, Valery Gergiev, in the ‘Un’Estate da RE’ festival. Even after three and a half years {…}