Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Russia

Birth

:

May 2, 1953 in Moscow, Russia

Genre

:

Opera

 

Valery Gergiev is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of music. He was born on May 2, 1953, in Moscow, Russia. Gergiev's parents were both Ossetian, and his father was a mining engineer. Gergiev's interest in music began at a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was just five years old. Gergiev's musical education began at the Leningrad Conservatory, where he studied conducting under the tutelage of Ilya Musin. He graduated from the conservatory in 1977 and went on to become the assistant conductor of the Kirov Opera and Ballet Theatre in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Gergiev quickly rose through the ranks and became the principal conductor of the Kirov in 1988. Under Gergiev's leadership, the Kirov Opera and Ballet Theatre became one of the most renowned opera companies in the world. Gergiev's conducting style was characterized by his intense energy and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to create a sense of drama and excitement in his performances. Gergiev's international career began in the early 1990s when he started conducting in Europe and the United States. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented conductors of his generation, and he was invited to conduct some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Gergiev's most significant achievements was his appointment as the principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra in 2007. He held this position until 2015 and was widely credited with revitalizing the orchestra. During his tenure, he conducted a wide range of repertoire, from classical works to contemporary pieces, and he was known for his innovative programming. Gergiev has also been a champion of Russian music, and he has conducted many works by Russian composers, including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich. He has also been a strong advocate for contemporary music, and he has commissioned and premiered many new works by living composers. In addition to his work as a conductor, Gergiev has also been involved in many cultural and educational initiatives. He is the founder and artistic director of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, which includes the Mariinsky Opera, Ballet, and Orchestra. He has also been involved in the creation of several music schools and festivals in Russia. Gergiev has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1996, he was awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian government, and in 2003, he was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland. He has also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge. Despite his many achievements, Gergiev has not been without controversy. He has been criticized for his close ties to the Russian government and for his support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has also been accused of being insensitive to the LGBTQ+ community, and his decision to conduct a concert in the breakaway region of South Ossetia in 2008 was widely criticized. Despite these controversies, Gergiev remains one of the most respected and influential conductors in the world of classical music. His passion for music and his dedication to his craft have inspired countless musicians and audiences around the world.

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