Alexander Vedernikov, chief conductor of the Royal Danish Orchestra, passes away due to Covid-19

COPENHAGEN: Russian Alexander Vedernikov, chief conductor of the Royal Danish Orchestra and former music director at Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, has died from Covid-19 complications at age 56, his employers said Friday.

"He died in Moscow, where he was visiting recently, following complications linked to Covid-19," according to a statement from the Royal Danish Theatre, which presents concerts by the orchestra.

From 2001 until 2009, Vedernikov served as music director and chief conductor at the Bolshoi theatre in Moscow before joining the Odense Symphony Orchestra in Denmark.


In 2018, he became chief conductor at the Royal Danish Orchestra and later music director and principal conductor at Mikhailovsky Theatre in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, roles he held until his death.

During his career, Vedernikov also conducted other orchestras worldwide, including the Paris Opera for the 'Swan Lake' ballet in 2004.