Gergiev takes Mariinsky on tour

Ignoring reports of a high number of Covid infections in his company, Valery Gergiev today took his Mariinsky orchestra on a two-week tour of the Russian regions.

It’s a celebration of the end of the second world war. ‘The choice of places will depend on the epidemiological situation in each specific city,’ the press department said.

Gergiev said: ‘More than 60 regions have hosted the Easter Festival and this is where its strength lies. It starts and ends in Moscow, but covers a huge number of regions where people love music and are waiting for these performances.’

Gergiev has admitted in an interview to ‘2 or 3’ Covid cases at his theatre. Our sources say it could be more than 50, mostly in the ballet.