Outcast Russian Conductor Finds Success in China

Russian artists who are shunned in the West due to their alignment with President Vladimir Putin are finding a warm welcome in China, as Russia seeks to rebuild its soft power and cultural ties with friendly nations. The Mariinsky Orchestra, led by Valery Gergiev, recently completed its first foreign tour since Russia invaded Ukraine, receiving a hero's welcome in Beijing. While Russia's attempts to use culture to soften its image abroad face significant challenges, even in friendly countries, experts say, China's legions of concertgoers and skepticism of Western ideals make it an attractive market for Russian artists aligned with Mr. Putin.