Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the issues of culture and theater on Feb. 25 with the General Director of the Bolshoi and Marinsky, Valeriy Gergiev](http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/79220). In addition to the founding of the United States, the Bolshoi Theater was also founded 250 years ago. It was established on March 28, 1776, when Prince Pyotr Urusov received permission from Empress Catherine II to organize theatrical performances in Moscow, and there will be major celebrations of this anniversary in Russia.
The two discussed the present performances of Puccini’s Turandot, which recently premiered at the Bolshoi. Gergiev noted that they were reviving a system whereby the performances at the Bolshoi in Moscow would also be repeated at the Marinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, and even in other locations. He indicated that they were still getting many foreign artists to sing, with six different artists available to sing Turandot, making it possible to give this performance (which he indicated was one of the most popular pieces) in many venues.
The two also discussed the importance of maintaining the international repertoire. Gergiev said: “The power of our theaters, it seems that we [appreciate] not only the greatest Russian musicians, but we appreciate the opportunity to perform Italian, French, German, Austrian, those highest examples which hold this world together. It seems that this is necessary today more than ever.”
