Ukrainians in Verona defend truth on Shakespeare’s stage: pro-Russian singer’s concert cancelled

VERONA – In northern Italy’s Verona, the city that was immortalized by playwright William Shakespeare as the home of Romeo and Juliet, the Ukrainian community has written a new story of conscience and civic courage. 

The Arena di Verona Foundation and the Verona Philharmonic Theater announced that the Russian baritone will no longer take part in the opera Don Giovanni in January. The decision followed coordinated protests by Italy’s Ukrainian community, civil society organizations, and European politicians.  

The Ukrainian community in Verona, Italy, has successfully pushed for the cancellation of a performance by pro-Russian singer Ildar Abdrazakov, which was scheduled to take place in January, the NAU — the Network of Associations for Ukraine reported.

The NAU called the move “the result of joint efforts by civil society,” while emphasizing that joint action and solidarity made the difference. 

“It’s not the artists’ nationality that offends us but their choice — to side with evil and help normalize the reputation of the aggressor state in Europe,” the organization said.

Abdrazakov has long demonstrated loyalty to Russia’s regime, having received awards from Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin, directing an opera theater in the occupied city of Sevastopol, and publicly endorsing Moscow’s 2024 presidential election campaign. 

“His cooperation with the government of a country the European Parliament has recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism is well-documented. He has stained his artistic reputation by becoming part of the propaganda machine,” the NAU said.

The decision to drop Abdrazakov from the production was also supported by European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, Italy’s Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, and various civil society groups.

“We’ve achieved another victory against Putin’s and the Kremlin’s propaganda,” Picierno said.

The Ukrainian community in Italy welcomed the leadership of Arena di Verona for its decision, noting that Verona has now joined other cities — including New York, Vienna, Munich, Paris, Zurich, and Naples — that have refused to collaborate with artists linked to the Kremlin.

“High opera art should be performed by those whose voices are not tainted by complicity in war propaganda,” NAU said.