The New York City Metropolitan Opera takes a stand on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, promising to stop associating with artists or institutions with the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The Metropolitan Opera opens its heart to the victims of the unprovoked war in Ukraine and salutes the heroism of the Ukrainian people,” Met Director-General Peter Gelb said in a video shared on Facebook.
Gelb said Putin “seems determined to destroy Ukraine, its people and all personal freedom in Ukraine and Russia.”
“As an international opera company, the Met can help sound the alarm and contribute to the fight against oppression,” Gleb said. “While we strongly believe in the warm friendship and cultural exchange that has existed for a long time between artists and artistic institutions in Russia and the United States, we can no longer relate to artists or institutions that support them. to Putin or receive their support, not until the invasion and assassination have been stopped, order has been restored and restitutions have been made. “
The Met’s position comes after Carnegie Hall canceled the March performances of the Mariinsky Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev “due to recent world events and ongoing challenges related to the global COVID-19 pandemic.” Gergiev, the conductor, has often backed Putin in the press, supporting the president’s political controversies in Crimea.
Although Gelb did not mention any artist by name, the Met has had ties to Gergiev, who was its principal guest conductor until 2008. Anna Netrebko, a Russian soprano, also performed at the Met in February 2021. but it is unclear whether the Opera will continue to relate to it.
CBS News has contacted the Met for more information and is awaiting a response.
Add Comment