Putin's close friend has faced heavy criticism for not having distanced himself from the Russian president's controversial stances on homosexuality and Ukraine. In an open letter, conductor Valery Gergiev writes that he is aware of the significance and responsibility associated with his task of preserving the city of Munich's unique musical heritage.

"I am a musician and conductor. But I am also Russian and deeply connected with my home country," he writes, adding that in Russia, he took on the challenge of maintaining the vitality of a long musical tradition as head of the Mariinsky Opera in Saint Petersburg.

"Given certain political developments, problems can emerge like those that we have now and in which some view me as complicit. I'm seen in some countries as a representative of 'another' society that doesn't stand in a decisive enough way for the fundamental values and attitudes toward life held in the West," Gergiev continues. "But is that correct? Russian music culture, in particular, since Mikhail Glinka has been influenced and shaped by European and, above all, German music culture."

'Other principles'

Many in Russia are well aware of this German influence, Gergiev says. "However, on the other hand, I cannot disregard that parts of Russian society live according to other fundamental principles," the conductor notes, adding that a deep rootedness in Orthodox faith still plays an elementary role in the lives of many. He says he honors and respects the maxims that numerous Russians use to guide their lives. However, he acknowledges, those positions include "clinging to taboos that have for several years no longer held sway in the West, but whose abolishment took much time and many attempts."

The problems of realpolitik

Gergiev's decision not to use his close ties to the Russian president to push for progressive policies in his home country has made him a target for some interest groups.

"A respect for others and their concerns is one of the highest principles for me," the maestro counters. "That shouldn't, however, hide the fact that problems stemming from realpolitik can suddenly create hard and shrill dissonances in our cultural cooperation. But in my view, it's especially then that we must each retain the courage to listen to and to get actively engaged with the other side."

A lasting dialogue

That may be why Gergiev spoke on the weekend with Munich's secretary of cultural affairs and the head of the Munich Philharmonic about "sustainable means of cooperation with the gay and lesbian community in Munich."

The dialogue shouldn't be allowed to break down, Valery Gergiev urges in his letter. "Even if it sounds hackneyed, that doesn't make it wrong - on the contrary: music is the best way to build bridges!"