Gergiev: A Certain Madness

The exceptional Russian conductor Valery Gergiev usually conducts the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theater Orchestra at the world’s greatest concert halls. Each year, these passionate musicians travel across their own country on the Trans-Siberian Express, giving high-class performances along the way. “We need to bring culture to the people – not the other way round!” says Gergiev. Swiss photographer and filmmaker Alberto Venzago accompanied the musicians on their gruelling tour from St Petersburg to Omsk. (Zurich Film Festival)