Protestors and political figures hit out at singer Anna Netrebko’s upcoming performance at the Royal Opera House (ROH), arguing it “legitimises” the Russian war on Ukraine.
The prominent Russian opera singer is set to perform the lead in Puccini’s Tosca at the ROH, despite her historical support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
In response, a demonstration group gathered outside the ROH on Sunday September 7 to oppose the upcoming performance scheduled from September 11 until October 7.
One demonstrator, @ThomasBrayford on X, posted an image of the gathering and wrote Netrebko’s “ties to Putin and separatists legitimise Russia’s war. Welcoming her here erases Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol” – a list of cities in Ukraine.
Social media posts of flyers promoting the demonstration featured the slogan “art is never neutral”, alluding to Netrebko’s historical ties to Putin in the midst of his ongoing war on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK and former military commander in chief, called the performance a “betrayal” in an article for the Daily Mail.
In the piece, Zaluzhnyi wrote: “Will we allow Putin to use art as a curtain to hide his crimes? Will we allow his closest allies to stand on the world's stages as if nothing has happened?”
“Netrebko has become one of the key symbols of this war.
“She was, and remains, a cultural instrument legitimising killings in Ukraine.
“Her voice was meant to show that Russia is civilized, modern, worthy of applause.
“At the same time, that voice silenced the bombings of Grozny, Aleppo, Mariupol, Chernihiv, Kyiv.”
Although Netrebko was previously a vocal supporter of Putin, when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the singer publicly condemned the decision and has not returned to Russia since, instead staying at her home in Austria.
In 2022 the singer took to social media to write: “I am opposed to this senseless war of aggression and I am calling on Russia to end this war right now, to save all of us!” as reported in The Guardian.
Netrebko has been an opera performer for over 30 years, having previously starred in six major shows at the Royal Opera House, including playing the leading roles of Lady Macbeth and Mimì in La bohème.
She is also due to perform a recital on the main stage at the Royal Opera House on June 24 next year.
In spite of the controversy sparked by casting her, the Royal Opera House confirmed Netrebko’s performances over the next few months will go ahead as planned.
Alex Beard, CEO of the Royal Opera House met ambassador Zaluzhnyi on May 1 after the venue’s 2025/26 season launch.
The Royal Opera house said they had a “cordial and in-depth discussion” in which Mr Zaluzhnyi shared his concerns, while Mr Beard explained the venue’s position.
A representative from the Royal Opera House told the Standard: “The Royal Ballet and Opera has always been a place for audiences to experience the best talent from around the world.
“Every decision about who performs on our stage is made with great care and thoughtful consideration.
“Anna Netrebko has made her position clear on several occasions.”
