[1] He first conducted at age 17, inspired by Anatoly Briskin, the conductor of the North Ossetia State Philharmonic Orchestra.

[2] His initial conducting work with WNO as music director was in revivals of Don Giovanni, Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci.

Reports indicated a decline in morale among the WNO orchestra and chorus, and questions about whether Sokhiev was too young and inexperienced for the post.

[5][6] In 2005, Sokhiev became principal guest conductor and musical adviser with the Orchestre national du Capitole de Toulouse.

In January 2014, the Bolshoi Theatre named Sokhiev its new music director, with an initial contract of 4 years, effective 1 February 2014.