Verbier says Gergiev resigns as festival head at its request

The Verbier Festival says conductor Valery Gergiev resigned as music director at its request

The Verbier Festival says conductor Valery Gergiev resigned as music director at its request.

The Swiss classic music festival said it made the change as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Gergiev, 68, is a friend and supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gergiev succeeded Charles Dutoit as festival director in 2018. This year's festival is scheduled from July 15-31.

Verbier said Monday it will return “donations from any individual sanctioned by a western government” and will exclude “artists who have publicly aligned themselves with the Russian government’s actions.”