General director of Bolshoi theatre Anatoly Iskanov refrained from comments about conflict between Mstislav Rostropovich and theatre around staging of opera "War and Peace".

"Performance is staged at initiative of Rostropovich. This all I can say. I don`t find it possible to comment actions and deeds of our greatest musician", - declared Iskanov.

"I hope that Bolshoi theatre and I personally will stay in good relationships with Rostropovich", - emphasized general director.

Earlier there were messages in mass media that Rostropovich refused from following rehearsals and cancelled contract with Bolshoi theatre. As a result premiere of opera planned on December 6 is under threat of breakdown. Iskanov noted that premiere of opera "War and Peace" on new stage of Bolshoi theatre is postponed fro several days. As general director explained, this is an ordinary situation when another "conductor" finishes work at performance instead of the one who started and led all rehearsals.

Press-secretary of Bolshoi theatre Ekaterina Novikova answered on the question if Rostropovich actually cancelled contract with theatre: "Rostropovich stopped working at opera". Premiere of opera will be held on December 9, 13, 14, 27 and 28. "On December 9, 27 and 28 Alexander Vedernikov will be a conductor of performance, and on December 13 and 14 - Pavel Sorokin", - said press-secretary.
sections: Culture, Region News
areas: Central region