Waleri Abissalowitsch Gergijew

Waleri Gergijew is a prominent Russian conductor known for his long-standing association with the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Born in 1953, he has gained international acclaim for his interpretations of classical repertoire and has conducted numerous prestigious orchestras around the world. However, his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his support for controversial political actions, such as the annexation of Crimea, have sparked significant controversy, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Gergijew's scheduled performances in the West have often faced backlash, as critics question the appropriateness of allowing Russian artists to perform amid geopolitical tensions.