A Russian opera announced on Thursday that it had canceled a concert by famous soprano Anna Netrebko scheduled for June. The Austro-Russian singer had taken a stand the day before against Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine.
Anna Netrebko, 50, on Wednesday “expressly condemned” the offensive in Ukraine, after being strongly criticized in Europe and the United States for her silence, as were many Russian artists in a hurry to speak out publicly . “My position is clear,” she added.
In response, the Novosibirsk Opera, in Siberia, announced the cancellation of a concert scheduled for June 2 by the soprano who lives in Vienna. “Living in Europe and having the opportunity to perform in European concert halls turned out to be more important (for her) than the fate of the homeland,” he said in a statement.
“We should not be afraid of cultural figures who turn their backs on their homeland. Our country is rich in talent and yesterday’s idols will be replaced by others with a clear civic position,” he added.
Delicate situation
The controversy around Anna Netrebko illustrates the delicate situation in which Russian artists, sportsmen and other celebrities have been plunged since President Vladimir Putin sent his troops to Ukraine on February 24.
Summoned in Russia to display their patriotism or, failing that, to remain silent, they are on the contrary under pressure in Western countries to publicly distance themselves from the military operation and the Russian regime.
Russian artists have been sidelined in the West, in particular the conductor Valery Gergiev, close to the Kremlin, sacked from the direction of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. The Verbier Festival, the Lucerne Festival and the Philharmonie de Paris have also canceled their collaboration with the Russian conductor.
Back on stage
Anna Netrebko announced on March 1 that she was giving up all her stage performances “until further notice”. In particular, she was to perform in March at the Elbe Philharmonic in Hamburg, at La Scala in Milan and in Zurich, then in April and May at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
On Wednesday, she announced that she would resume concerts “at the end of May, first in Europe”. Its website mentions three dates: May 25 in Paris, May 27 at La Scala in Milan, then June 5 in Lucerne.
The singer was accused of being close to Mr. Poutine. She was also criticized for having in the past expressed her support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, for example by going to their “capital” Donetsk in 2015 where she posed next to a rebel flag.
This article has been published automatically. Sources: ats / afp