2023-12-01 13:28:08
Shortly after the attack on Ukraine, Vladimir Urin spoke out in favor of ending the war. Now he has apparently drawn professional consequences.
Moscow.
The head of the world-famous Moscow Bolshoi Theater, Vladimir Urin, has left the state theater after criticizing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
“I’m saying goodbye today because today is my last day working at the Bolshoi Theater,” said the 76-year-old at a premiere party in front of the company, according to a video circulating on the Internet. A spokeswoman for the theater confirmed the authenticity of the video to the German Press Agency. She announced an official statement from the theater for Friday. Last year, Urin signed a declaration by cultural workers against the war.
According to Russian media, the Bolshoi chief could be replaced by the internationally known conductor Valery Gergiyev, who is a close friend of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin. A few days after Putin’s invasion began, Gergiev lost his job as chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic because he had not distanced himself from the war.
The 70-year-old already runs the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, which is also known for its worldwide guest performances. Gergiev had said in response to reports about his possible appointment that he was already very busy and was not looking for more work.
Media: Post submitted at your own request
Urin, who is considered a brilliant theater manager, took over the management of the Bolshoi, with the largest ballet company in the world and an internationally renowned opera and concert section, in 2013. The media had reported that he was leaving the post at his own request. No reason was officially given. His contract would have been valid until 2027.
Just two days after the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Urin and other cultural figures signed a call to end the war. Because of the war and the resulting Western sanctions, many Bolshoi artists ended their involvement with the theater of their own volition or by force. (dpa)
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