The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre has ended its cooperation with Italian conductor Gianluca Marcianò over concerns about his possible involvement in upcoming performances in Russia.
The theatre announced Friday that doubts had arisen about Marcianò’s role as music director of that evening’s performance of the opera The Lithuanians following reports he may conduct in Russia.
“Although in his public statements in Vilnius conductor Gianluca Marcianò has clearly expressed support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, highlighted his collaboration with renowned Ukrainian artists and denied participation in events in Russia, he was unable to completely dispel the concerns that had arisen,” the theatre said in a statement.
Media reports claimed Marcianò was scheduled to conduct a November 19 concert in Moscow with the Russian National Orchestra at Tchaikovsky Concert Hall.
Marcianò denied those claims in an interview with LRT, calling them part of a Russian disinformation campaign against him.
“I have no plans and do not want to have any connection with Russia,” Marcianò said.
He also noted that the date of his alleged performance in Russia falls during his rehearsal engagements in Vilnius.
After the theatre announced its decision to remove the conductor, Marcianò told LRT he thought it was wise.
“I believe that the theatre’s decision is correct, given the information that has been spread in the media. I also suggested that the theatre make this decision in order to protect their reputation. At the same time, I told the theatre management that I will do everything I can to prove that this information is false. I will provide all the necessary evidence, because I have not performed in Russia and do not intend to perform there,” he said.
The last time he visited Russia was in 2021, Marcianò said.
The opera house said chief conductor Ričardas Šumila would take Marcianò’s place in The Lithuanians on Friday.
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