Grammy Awards coming Russia's way

His first nomination is connected with the recording of the opera Don Quixote by Jules Massenet under the direction of Valery Gergiev with the participation of Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto. Issued under the Mariinsky sound-recording label which the theatre obtained three years ago, the recording has a great future, Valery Gergiev says.

"The Marrinsky label has been expanding to cover more and more countries. We boast a vast distribution potential. Our records come out in at least 100 countries, including countries of Asia, North America, Europe, and even New Zealand, Australia and South America, where they are released a week or so later compared to London or Paris."

Judging by positive response from abroad, the Mariinsky label has good chances of winning a Grammy Award. According to a review of the St.Petersburg recording of Don Quixote published by British “Gramophone”, Gergiev’s choir and orchestra are in excellent shape. The American Philadelphia Enquire believes that the world has been longing for a good rendition of Cervantes’ Don Quixote, which has appeared at last.

Gergiev’s second nomination for a Grammy Award is related to the London Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Gergiev, who has been conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra for five years, has expanded the Orchestra’s repertoire to include Russian classics. The London Symphony Orchestra has been nominated for a Grammy Award for its recording of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony Dances. Thanks to maestro Gergiev, the London Symphony Orchestra’s repertoire includes Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich and other Russian geniuses.

"I feel comfortable in London. I’m proud to have introduced great Russian composers to the British public. Russian classics add to the ongoing process of rediscovering classical music. I’m proud for the Russian musical school as well."

Russia’s musicians have been nominated for and won Grammy Awards on many occasions before. Violist and conductor Yuri Bashmet is one of the laureates.

"I wish Valery Gergiev success. His achievements are so many that they could last for several lifetimes. I wish Gergiev to remain active so that we could bear witness to more accomplishments on his part."

The maestro himself takes the prospect of winning a Grammy in his stride. This is no wonder, given that his popularity all over the world has surpassed all expectations.