The decision – which Carnegie and the Vienna Philharmonic had earlier delivered in a joint statement, without specifying an exact cause – comes in the wake of the Russian president’s invasion of Ukraine, which has drawn international condemnation.

Protesters were expected at the superstar maestro’s three highly anticipated appearances leading the Vienna Philharmonic in New York, which were originally scheduled to begin today.

Gergiev has not yet spoken publicly regarding Moscow’s offensive but has proven fiercely loyal to the Russian president in the past, and has triggered protests at previous New York performances for allying with him on matters including the annexation of Crimea, and a law aimed at stifling LGBT rights activists in Russia.

Russian pianist Denis Matsuev – another Putin supporter who was scheduled to solo with the Vienna Philharmonic today – was also dropped from the performance.

The globe-trotting Gergiev is further facing pressure in Milan, where he is currently leading Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades” at the Teatro alla Scala, to speak out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

If he doesn’t, “the collaboration will be over”, Italian media quoted Milan’s mayor as saying.

Gergiev is also on deck to conduct the Mariinsky Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in early May. The prestigious hall did not indicate whether those performances would go ahead as planned.