Gergiev, at a meeting with Putin, pointed to the power of Russia's theaters

Valery Gergiev, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre and General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre, said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 that the power of Russian theaters lies in their ability to perform not only Russian, but also world classics.

"The power of our theaters, it seems to me, is that we not only have the greatest Russian musicians, but we appreciate the opportunity to perform Italians, French, Germans, Austrians, those highest examples that hold this world together. It seems to me that it is more necessary today than ever," Gergiev stressed.

He noted that, despite the geopolitical difficulties, musicians all over the world continue to turn to the works of great composers.

"We can't live without Shakespeare. "Othello" is a peak <...> I can't tell someone: we won't play, because the author's background doesn't please us. This is the stupidest way to nowhere," he added.

Speaking about the current situation in theaters, Gergiev highlighted the successes of young artists. He spoke about the recent premiere of the opera Turandot at the Bolshoi Theatre, where young singers are involved.

"For a year and a half, I have been feeling more and more that betting on youth is the most decisive leap forward. There are good voices and they open up. It makes me very happy," said the maestro.

The artistic director spoke about the cooperation of the two theaters, recalling the traditions of the 19th century, when artists performed in both Moscow and St. Petersburg. Six performers of the title role were found for the opera Turandot at once, which will allow the performance to be performed frequently in the coming years.

Special attention was paid to the Easter festival, in which the combined orchestra of the two theaters will visit about 40 regions, reaching Krasnoyarsk. Gergiev emphasized the uniqueness of the format when Bolshoi and Mariinsky artists perform together.

"Strangely enough, the actors of these theaters did not know each other. This discovery is very pleasant," he said.

Speaking about the audience, Gergiev noted the growing interest of young people: at the recent premiere at the Bolshoi Theater, he saw hundreds of young people. The maestro also recalled the broadcasts of The Nutcracker on Channel One, which make ballet accessible to residents of the whole country from Chukotka to Kaliningrad.

In the context of the anniversary year of the Bolshoi Theater, Gergiev announced plans to perform all the symphonies, operas and ballets of Prokofiev (for the 135th anniversary) and Shostakovich (for the 120th anniversary). He also spoke about the development of the branch in Vladivostok, where the construction of a large cultural center continues.

"The troupe has been growing and continues to grow, which makes me happy. They will represent a distant region, the Far East, Vladivostok in front of sophisticated audiences, both in St. Petersburg and in Moscow," concluded Gergiev.

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