Answer
**Answer: Opera.** Valery Gergiev is primarily associated with opera, having served as the Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, since 1988. He is renowned for his interpretations of Russian operas, particularly the works of Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky. Gergiev's dynamic conducting style and commitment to musical excellence have made him one of the most acclaimed opera conductors of his generation.