People's Artist of Russia, conductor Valery Gergiev turned 70 years old. His work was greatly influenced by the works of Svyatoslav Richter and Mstislav Rostropovich.
Already at the age of 35, he was elected head of the opera troupe of the Mariinsky Theater, and later took the position of artistic director of the organization. Over the years, he has led the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and performed at other major world venues.