Just in: Gergiev is grounded by a leg injury

The Mariinsky has cancelled performances in Irkutsk this weekend after its leader Valery Gergiev suffered an unspecified injury.

Gergiev’s pal, the pianist Denis Matsuev, writes on his social media:

Unfortunately, the last two concerts of our festival will be held without Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Theatre orchestra. Maestro called me today and told me he has a leg injury that caused doctors to categorically forbid him to take a flight. …

Valery Abisalovich was really waiting for this trip: we carefully prepared it, enthusiastically discussed the concert program. He had not been to Irkutsk for so many years and was determined to plunge into the waters after the banya… the main thing is that everyone is alive and well. I will allow Irkutsk residents to say that we wish the maestro a speedy recovery and always look forward to our dear Valery Abisalovich in our hospitable city. Keep your fingers crossed, maestro!

Our medical correspondent writes: A leg injury that prevents a person from flying sounds like deep-vein thrombosis. If that is what the injury is, it could keep Gergiev grounded until medication takes effect. Gergiev is 67 years old and vulnerable to a stroke.