Valery Gergiev is set to conduct in Iran.

The Pro-Putin Russian conductor is set to conduct alongside Ali Rahbari.

In a statement, Rahbari said, “Maestro Gergiev has agreed to come to Iran and perform along with me, and we plan to organize a concert with the Iranian Youth Symphony Orchestra at an appropriate time. This project has been planned with Susan Taqipour, and we just need to choose a suitable date for it. In this concert, I will lead the first part with dotar (a folkloric plucked musical instrument with two strings) and the symphony orchestra, featuring the performance of Aidin Olyanasab and Azin Rastegar. In the second part, Maestro Gergiev will be the conductor.”

Rahbari added, “The primary goal of this project is to elevate the level of musical performance among students and even their professors in the orchestra. Gergiev’s visit to Iran, not only motivates the youth but also has a global impact. Furthermore, if our youths can receive his positive feedback, the chances of inviting this orchestra to St. Petersburg and Moscow, where Gergiev is the artistic director, will increase.”

This will mark Gergiev’s third performances outside of Russia since the beginning of the War in Ukraine. The conductor who was ousted from all his Western jobs, recently conducted in China, Ankara, and Istanbul and endorsed Vladimir Putin for reelection. He was also named the General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre.