Teatro San Carlo Cancels Ildar Abdrazakov Performances Amid Controversy

Teatro San Carlo has canceled Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov's participation in Don Carlo and Attila following criticism over his open support for Vladimir Putin and ties to Russia's Presidential Council.

The decision was praised by European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, who labeled Abdrazakov a “war enabler” as identified by Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation. Picierno thanked the Municipality of Naples and the Teatro San Carlo for acting against showcasing a supporter of a criminal regime on such a prestigious stage.

The controversy was fueled by a Huffington Post article and an open letter from the Italian association "Liberi, Oltre le Illusioni" titled The Stage of Shame. Ukrainian bass Alexander Tsymbaluk, Abdrazakov's scheduled co-performer in Don Carlo, expressed shock over the decision to invite him.

Abdrazakov, a vocal Putin supporter, has received the Russian State Prize, performed at the BRIC summit, and had contracts with major European theaters canceled, including Zurich Opera and Paris Opera.

John Relyea will replace him in Don Carlo, while a replacement for Attila is pending.