Opera house praised for canceling singer with links to Putin
Famous opera singer’s shows cancelled over pro-Putin links
- An Italian opera house cancelled performances by Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov due to his perceived closeness to President Vladimir Putin.
- Abdrazakov was scheduled to perform in Mozart's "Don Giovanni" at the Verona Philharmonic Theatre from 18 to 25 January.
- The cancellation followed calls from Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which highlighted Abdrazakov's support for Putin.
- Italy's Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, welcomed the decision, stating that Russian art is not welcome when it serves as a propaganda tool for a despotic power.
- Abdrazakov received a prestigious state award from Putin last year and holds positions on the presidential council for culture and arts, and as head of the Sevastopol Opera and Ballet Theatre in Crimea.