Valery Gergiev, a prominent Russian conductor whose career in Western concert halls came to a halt following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has been appointed the new director of Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. This move positions Gergiev at the forefront of Russia’s cultural scene, as he continues to lead St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, a role he has held since 1996.
Gergiev’s appointment comes amid his dwindling presence in Western classical music circles. In March 2022, he was dismissed as chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra after failing to denounce the Russian military operation in Ukraine. His new role at the Bolshoi, one of Russia’s most iconic cultural institutions, marks a significant shift in his career trajectory.
The Bolshoi Theatre, celebrated for its opulent architecture and world-renowned ballet and opera productions, is also notorious for its internal artistic politics. Vladimir Urin, Gergiev’s predecessor, requested to step down after a decade-long tenure, though no explicit reasons were provided for his departure. Urin was among several cultural figures who openly called for an end to the military actions in Ukraine shortly after the invasion began, advocating for troop withdrawal and negotiations.
In a controversial move in May 2021, the Bolshoi cancelled performances by directors who had publicly opposed the war, leading to disappointment and criticism from opera and ballet enthusiasts.
Gergiev’s alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin has long been a source of contention outside Russia. He publicly supported Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and in 2016 conducted a concert in Syria’s ancient Palmyra theatre, following its recapture from Islamic State militants by Russian-backed Syrian forces. This concert, which included a live video address by Putin, further cemented Gergiev’s controversial status in the international community.
Reflecting on his appointment, Gergiev acknowledged the immense responsibility of his new role, stating, “Today I am thinking about what we can do in Russia. Not because we’re not invited elsewhere – on the contrary, we’ve spent a lot of time lately in China – but now I, and we together, need to work at home.”
Gergiev’s focus on bolstering Russia’s cultural scene comes at a time when his opportunities abroad have dwindled significantly due to his political stances and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His leadership at the Bolshoi Theatre signifies a new chapter in his career, primarily centered around Russia’s rich cultural heritage and its future development.
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