Valery Gergiev and Sergey Tsivilyov Visit Siberian Culture and Education Complex

Valery Gergiev and Sergey Tsivilyov inspect the branch of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts in Kemerovo 

Internationally acclaimed orchestra conductor, creative director of the Mariinsky Theatre Symphonic Orchestra Valery Gergiev, celebrating his 70th anniversary today, and the Governor of Kuzbass Sergey Tsivilyov visited the academic building of the branch of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts in Kemerovo, which is under construction, and the construction site of the Opera and Ballet Theatre (a branch of the Mariinsky Theatre). The guests were accompanied by representatives of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts and Stroytransgaz-Sibir Company.

During the inspection of the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts, the visitors paid special attention to the outfitting of studios and workshops where the talented youth from Siberia and other regions will be studying. The training/production workshops include a carpenter’s shop, fitter’s shop with a welding section, prop workshop, costume shop, painting and sculpting shop, and a model workshop, all outfitted in line with the modern standards. So, the theatrical costume shop is outfitted with all equipment necessary for work with light and heavy fabric and leather, and also features a special area for cutting, and a fitting area with full-length mirrors. Painting and sculpting shop is intended for training and production activities such as background painting, fabrication of soft pieces of scenery, painting of dimensional set elements, furniture, architectural elements, etc., and its ceiling height is 9.3 metres. The suite for performing staff (actors, orchestra musicians, make-up and costume staff) is comprised of 6 tiring rooms for 4–6 persons each, icebox, and duty costume room.

V. A. Gergiev noted that in Kuzbass, the construction of all facilities of the Siberian Culture and Education Complex is closely monitored by the head of the region.

‘This is a matter oof state importance, and Sergey Evgenyevich Tsivilyov has all the controls in place. Specialists for the entire Siberia will be trained here, and we are now conducting very serious work to create the perfect conditions for the future students. We have joined our efforts, because no one can handle such a major project on their own. Another of our goals is that not only Kuzbass, but also the adjacent regions benefit from the Complex. We will achieve that by training top-notch professionals who are in high demand everywhere — ballet dancers, theatre actors, choir and orchestra members, scene designers, directors, technical specialists’, said Valery Abisalovich.

‘Valery Abisalovich Gergiev and the region of Kuzbass are long-time friends. He actively supported the construction of the Opera and Ballet Theatre (a branch of the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre) here, to give talented artists a chance to perform, and talented youth of Kuzbass and Siberia — to gain experience’, commented Sergey Tsivilyov.

The head of Kuzbass proposed to legally formalize the establishment of the Siberian Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre this fall, even before the building is completed. Valery Gergiev supported his initiative. He added that the Symphonic Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre will visit Kuzbass again in October and November of 2023 as part of its 80th Anniversary of Kuzbass Shtokolov Philharmonia program.

It is worth noting that a joint concert of the Governor’s Own Symphonic Orchestra of the Philharmonia and the Symphonic Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre featuring students of arts is in the plans. There are also plans for the Kuzbass orchestra to give a concert in the State Academic Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.

Valery Gergiev visited Kuzbass as part of the 22nd Moscow Easter Festival. KuZbass State Shtokolov Philharmonia is arranging a concert of the internationally famous symphonic orchestra.

While this material was being prepared,  Order No. 321 of the President of Russia was issued on 2 May and states: ‘For major contribution to the development of national culture and arts, longstanding fruitful activity, to award Valery Abisalovich Gergiev, creative director of the federal cultural institution State Academic Mariinsky Theatre of Saint Petersburg, the Order of Merit for the Motherland, 2nd Class.’

Stroytransgaz Group joins in congratulating the Maestro!