Putin supporter Valery Gergiev will no longer conduct at Carnegie Hall amid Ukraine invasion
Russian conductor Valery Gergiev is no longer scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall this weekend amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Gergiev, a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was set to conduct with the Vienna Philharmonic on a U.S. tour beginning on Friday at Carnegie Hall, but he has now been replaced by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, The New York Times reports.
A spokesperson for Carnegie Hall told NPR the change was made due to "recent world events."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Gergiev appeared in an ad for Putin during his 2012 presidential campaign, and he also supported Russia's annexation of Crimea and was given a Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation award.
Carnegie's executive and artistic director, Clive Gillinson, previously defended Gergiev, telling The New York Times in September, "Why should artists be the only people in the world who are not allowed to have political opinions? My view is you only judge people on their artistry." But the invasion of Ukraine has sparked widespread condemnation by world leaders, and President Biden said Thursday it would make Putin into a "pariah on the international stage." Activists were expected to protest if Gergiev conducted as scheduled.
According to The Associated Press, Milan's Teatro alla Scala has also told Gergiev he must make a statement supporting a peaceful resolution in Ukraine or he can't continue an engagement there.
"We are asking him to take a clear position against this invasion, and in the case in which he doesn't do it, we are constrained to renounce the collaboration,″ Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala told the AP. "It is clear that the culture can go on other levels, but in front of such a situation we need to act."
Russian pianist Denis Matsuev, another Putin associate, is also no longer scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall with Gergiev.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Fallout: one of the 'most faithful – and best – video game adaptations'
The Week Recommends This 'genre-bending' new Amazon series is set in a post-apocalyptic wilderness where survivors shelter below ground
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Test of faith for Trump Media's investors'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for Ukraine
Speed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Russia's thorny convict-soldier problem
Under the Radar Putin's Ministry of Defense, like Wagner, is recruiting soldiers from Russian prisons to fight his Ukraine war. Russians aren't excited about them returning home.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawater
Speed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published