Valery understands the West completely, which is another reason why he's so successful. As an outsider, he has the ability to judge perfectly both the weak and the strong points of any situation.Because both of us travel so much, our meetings are almost always at one of his performances, so they tend to be late, exciting and never long enough. I know that, for him growing up in a communist country, the only way for such a gifted artist was to study hard, in the hope that one day there would be the opportunity to see something else That seems to me a very reasonable point of view. There is an empathy between us which probably no one else could understand.

On a personal level, I trust him completely and could tell him anything. I met him once after a Philharmonia concert in London, when I was very upset about something which was really bothering me. Valery just looked at me and said: "I don't want to know what it is, but don't be afraid. You know that Ossetian woman will win."It's our shared history which makes me understand his unbelievable musicality and discipline. I didn't have to say anything, because Valery knew about my heart, my education and the way an Ossetian father would have brought up his daughter. Immediately, I was captivated, and, of course, I stayed to talk to him.

Part of me knows that he probably isn't listening to me, but Valery has this incredible way of reacting which makes you feel as though you are the centre of his world.Because of our background, there is a kind of current between us which means we know each other without having to explain Our roots are so important, so special to both of us. I wasn't pleased, because other friends had asked me to come over for coffee, and I'd told them I couldn't because Valery wanted to meet me, so I'd missed out on seeing them.Just as I was literally screaming at my brother to go and collect the car, Valery made his entrance. He's never rude, even when people who have nothing to do with music ask him rather stupid questions As usual, the after-concert socialising went on for hours Long after midnight, I'd given up on him. Because he's such a kind man, Valery would never dream of saying "I have an appointment", so he talks to everyone. He's been very supportive to me and although he's much too busy to be involved this year, I know that one day he'll find time for me.Our first meeting was in London, a couple of years ago Valery had a concert.