(Credit: Valeri Guérguiev)

Valery Gergiev’s upcoming Japan concerts have been canceled.

The Russian conductor was originally set to tour with Denis Matsuev in November and December. However, the concerts were canceled due to Gergiev and Matsuev’s ties to Putin.

Regarding the cancelation Mikhail Shvydkoy, special representative of the Russian president for international cultural cooperation, Japan is anti-Russia. However, he said, “it was not a wise decision.” He added, “supporting Putin’s policies does not mean having less talents as a musician. Russian culture is an integral part of global culture.”

The cancellation is the latest since the war began. Gergiev was fired from all of his Western engagements and was fired from his positions at the Rotterdam Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, and the Verbier Festival. The conductor has steadily conducted in Russia and has not performed internationally.