Valery Gergiev Conducts the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra in Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 3

One of the joys of living in a big city like Toronto is that we are blessed with the occasional - too infrequent, alas - visits by great orchestras around the world. In the recent past, we've heard the Vienna Philharmonic, the La Scala Opera Orchestra, and the Rotterdam Philharmonic, if memory serves. Now we have the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra with none other than Valery Gergiev on the podium. Yes, the Russians will be in town this Friday October 21 at 8 p.m.  The program includes Shostakovich Symphony No. 1, Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 played by Alexander Toradze, and Stravinsky's Firebird Suite.  Watching Gergiev conduct is quite a unique experience - he's one of those who sometimes don't bother with a baton, or a score!  Just watching his fluttery fingers is a treat. The current print issue of La Scena Musicale has a very interesting cover story on Gergiev by Crystal Chan. Gergiev is a controversial figure - he has his champions and his detractors. The Roy Thomson Hall show is his only appearance in TO this season and not to be missed. Here is a video clip of Gergiev conducting the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra in Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3, from Salle Pleyel in Paris in January 2010.

- Joseph K. So