(Photo by Valeri Guérguiev)

The Reggia di Caserta has canceled Valery Gergiev’s July 27 concert.

The festival said, “The management of the Reggia di Caserta has announced the cancellation of the concert conducted by Valery Gergiev as part of the ‘Un Estate da Re’ series.” 

The controversial concert sparked outrage throughout Italy with “700 culture personalities” signing a letter against it, and the Italian Minister of Culture revoking his support of it.

Upon hearing of the cancellation, Pina Picerno, Vice President of the European Parliament, who was the first to speak out, said, “We explained, we fought, we believed in it, and we won! Thanks to all of you, Campania will not host a Putin ambassador. For those who wish, we’ll meet Sunday evening with Europe’s flags, in front of the Reggia, to celebrate the strength and beauty of democracy. ”

Additionally, Anton Gerashchenko, a former Ukrainian Advisor to Internal Affairs Minister, said, “Gergiev’s concert in Italy has been canceled! Thankful to everyone who helped make this happen. Grazie a tutti! I know that a lot of people joined this effort. My special thanks goes to Pina  Picierno, Vice President of the European Parliament, who fought hard to cancel the concert and bring attention to this issue. Thank you!”

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