MOSCOW, November 17. /TASS/. Artistic and General Director of Russia’s State Academic Mariinsky Theater Valery Gergiyev, commenting on his possible appointment to the post of the head of the joint directorate of the Mariinsky and Bolshoi Theaters, said that he is "not looking for an opportunity to work even more," but he considers it necessary to work for the good of his country.

"I am busy enough and have not been looking for an opportunity to work even more. Working for my country - and I have already talked about it - is necessary," he said, answering a question from journalist Pavel Zarubin.

At the same time, the head of the Mariinsky Theater ironically replied to the question of the journalists of the Shot TV channel about whether Gergiyev is really preparing to become the head of the Bolshoi Theatre as well: "We will wait and see."

Situation around Gergiyev’s possible appointment

Earlier, Izvestiya, citing its sources, reported that Gergiyev will head the Bolshoi Theater, probably retaining his posts as the head of the Mariinsky Theatre and the orchestra. The newspaper believes that this decision will be announced at the St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum.

The Bolshoi Theater's charter says that the Russian government "appoints and dismisses the head (Director General) of the theater on the recommendation of the Russian Culture Ministry in accordance with the procedure established by law."

On March 25, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Gergiyev consider recreating a joint directorate of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters following the example of the directorate of the Imperial Theaters.