Report: Bolshoi Theater conductor steps down

[July 15, 2009]  MOSCOW (AP) -- The conductor of Russia's famed Bolshoi Theater tells news agencies he is resigning because bureaucrats are obstructing his creative work.

Alexander Vedernikov's resignation announcement is the latest blow to the august theater, whose main building has been closed for four years for a reconstruction project that's running far behind schedule.

Vedernikov announced his resignation plan on Monday in Milan, Italy, where the orchestra and opera company are appearing at La Scala.

Interfax on Tuesday cited him as saying "In the Bolshoi Theater we have a bureaucratic government ... that leads to bureaucrats wanting to decide creative questions, too."

Bolshoi officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

[Associated Press]

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