A concert in Italy by renowned Russian conductor Valery Gergiev has been canceled following pressure from Brussels and supporters of Ukraine, ANSA news agency reports, citing the organizers.

Gergiev, one of Russia’s most acclaimed musicians, was set to perform at the Un’Estate da RE festival in Caserta on July 27 with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Salerno. On Monday, the Royal Palace of Caserta’s management announced the cancelation. No official reason was given, but the move followed backlash from EU officials, Ukrainian communities, and Kiev supporters after the concert was first announced.

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli welcomed the decision to cancel the performance, saying it reflects “common sense and moral responsibility aimed at protecting the values of the free world.”

Gergiev has faced criticism for refusing to denounce Russia’s military operation against the Kiev regime, resulting in his dismissal from the Munich Philharmonic and bans across the West since 2022.

Last month, European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno called for him to be replaced in the concert. This followed calls to cancel Gergiev’s concert from Ukraine supporters across the EU. Local media reported plans by Ukrainians and Russian opposition groups to stage demonstrations on the night of the performance.

A number of officials, including Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca, however, defended the decision to host Gergiev, arguing that culture should remain separate from politics. In a Facebook post over the weekend, De Luca condemned attempts to silence artists while Western officials “do nothing” to advance peace in Ukraine.

“Should we silence all musicians, conductors, sopranos, athletes, and sportsmen?... This would be absurd and intolerable… Do you really think that these demagogic attitudes help build peace? It’s exactly the opposite,” De Luca said. “Discrimination does not serve peace… The best way to open a dialogue, to bring us closer to peace, is to bring people together, not set up walls.”

Gergiev has not yet commented. He is among numerous Russian artists whose performances in the West have been canceled over the Ukraine conflict. Moscow has condemned the bans as Russophobic censorship.