Vilar must come up with the $220,000 from art sales by July 20.

R. Douglas Sheldon, Gergiev's manager said that the money was put up in a gesture of friendship. "He believes in friendship on a different level than most people understand today," he told the Times.

There was no comment from Gergiev, who wished the matter to remain confidential.

In 2000, Vilar pledged $14 million to the Kirov Opera, where Gergiev is artistic director, but the money never actually appeared. It is one of many financial pledges that Vilar failed to keep.

The Times notes, however, that Vilar helped the Kirov with a financially struggling production of War and Peace with a gift of $1 million.