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This week has seen the opening of Mariinsky II – the new state of the art opera house in St Petersburg connected to the historic Mariinsky Theatre by a bridge over the Kryukov Canal. The complex is now one of the world’s largest centres for classical music, opera and ballet. The opening also marks the 25th anniversary of the leadership of Artistic and General Director Valery Gergiev, who has taken the company from the closing years of the Soviet era into its new 21st century home.

Ahead of the opening gala Gergiev tells us how he feels and Times chief music critic Richard Morrison gives his views from St Petersburg.

Rags to riches millionaire, serial womaniser and gambling magnate Domenico Barbaja was one of the greatest opera impresarios of the 19th century. Responsible for the emergence of Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti, Barbaja also promoted the greatest voices of the era including Isabella Colbran and Maria Malibran. Philip Eisenbeiss (pictured) has written a book chronicling the life and times of Barbaja including his skilful navigation through the political powers of the day – Napoleon, the Neapolitan Bourbons and the Austrian Hapsburgs.

In autumn 2011 Viennese born Alexander Pereira took over as the Artistic Director of the Salzburg Festival. Having formerly been in charge at Zurich Opera his appointment was designed to steady the artistic and financial ship after several difficult years for the festival. His first season was last year, but the forthcoming festival is the first in which he’s been able to realise his own plans. New music, new productions, education projects and events for young people are all part of his vision.

In London recently to receive an award at the International Opera Awards, Alexander talks to Tom about the many challenges he faces, including raising enough money to make it all happen.

At the British Museum last week Maria Miller gave her first keynote speech since becoming Culture Secretary last September. In it she said the arts world must make the case for public funding by focusing on its economic, not artistic, value – ‘culture does not simply have a role to play in bringing about a return to growth. Rather, it should be central to these efforts.’ 

Tom is joined by Susanna Eastburn the Chief Executive of Sound and Music, Randall Shannon the Executive Director of the Buxton Festival, and Professor A C Grayling to discuss the complexities of measuring the value of the arts in terms of economic value.