Valery Gergiev. Symphony of Life

Maestro Valery Gergiev is one of the brightest conductors of our time, whose artistry is in demand all over the world. For more than thirty years, he has been at the helm of the Mariinsky Theatre, which, through his efforts, has transformed into a large-scale theatrical and concert complex unparalleled in the world. Since 2015, Valery Gergiev has also been the chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, and prior to that, he led the London Symphony Orchestra for eight years. A unique perspective on the maestro's fate through the lens of epochal events in our country and the world is shared by one of the leading specialists on Russia in Japan, Kazuo Kobayashi, who has worked for many years as a correspondent for the Japanese television company NHK in Moscow. The author's friendship with Valery Gergiev has lasted for more than 25 years. Over the years, the journalist has made two documentaries about his hero, visited the conductor's homeland in North Ossetia, and followed his work and creativity both in Russia and abroad—be it brilliant international tours or the risky and selfless performance in Syrian Palmyra. Before you is an almost reportorial narrative from a person close to Gergiev, who finely senses the character and aspirations of his talented friend, with admiration and gratitude permeating this candid biography.