Over the past 15 years conductor Valery Gergiev has established an extensive international career. “Do you know why I work abroad? Not for money. I have conducted more performances for no money than anyone alive. In Russia, at one point, I conducted for three dollars an opera. I was happy – I could grow, learn leadership, nurture new singers. I conduct abroad to help my company and for my own pleasure. I spend six weeks a year with the Vienna Philharmonic – the best orchestra in the world. If I have no pleasure, I don’t go.”