Putin ally Gergiev takes over Bolshoi Theatre from war critic Urin

Russian conductor Valery Gergiev (standing) is seen with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on stage during the Summer Night Concert in the setting of Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna in September 2020. Photo: Reuters

Renowned conductor Valery Gergiev, a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, will replace Vladimir Urin at the helm of Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre after the latter resigned following criticism of the war in Ukraine.

Gergiev has been appointed general director of Russia's largest state theatre for a period of five years, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced in Moscow on Friday.