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The Bolshoi Theater operates under careful planning when it comes to key leadership roles, and its general director, Vladimir Urin, recently stressed that the search for a new musical director is not something to be rushed. He emphasized that patience will pay off, even as the institution remains deliberate about identifying a candidate who can steer the orchestra and chorus through the demanding repertoire it presents to audiences across Russia and beyond. When the right figure is found, the theater will announce the appointment publicly and ensure the news reaches patrons and partners promptly, Urin explained, underlining a commitment to clear, timely communication with the public and media alike. This measured approach reflects a broader intent to balance tradition with the evolving expectations of contemporary audiences, while maintaining the Bolshoi’s standards for artistic excellence and organizational stability. — TASS

Urin acknowledged that, despite the strong collaboration between the creative team and the management, the absence of a conductor has a tangible impact on daily operations. The conductor’s role is central to shaping performances, coordinating the tempo of rehearsals, and synchronizing the orchestra with the dancers and soloists on stage. The theater is mindful that the choice of music director must be made with immediacy yet without compromising thorough evaluation. To gauge potential candidates in action, the Bolshoi now invites distinguished leaders to attend various performances, observe their approach, and assess their fit with the ensemble’s temperament and the house’s architectural acoustics. This hands-on audition process helps the theater observe leadership styles, communication with musicians, and the ability to respond to live performance pressures. — TASS

In a separate matter, the company has faced ongoing decisions about its repertoire. Earlier, the ballet Nureyev, created by Kirill Serebrennikov, was not included in the Bolshoi’s current lineup. The decision was explained as connected to applicable laws and cultural policy discussions around LGBT themes, with officials indicating that current regulations may influence how certain works are represented or discussed within the company’s public programming. The administration stressed that choices about which ballets to stage are made with a view to legal compliance and artistic integrity, aiming to preserve the theater’s reputation for high artistic standards while navigating the evolving landscape of cultural norms and audience expectations. — TASS