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So far a welcome guest star on the Met stage: Anna Netrebko
Photo: Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images
The house is known for performances by great voices from Russia and has been collaborating with the Moscow Bolshoi Theater for many years.
In view of the war in Ukraine, however, the Metropolitan Opera is now making it clear: they will no longer work with supporters of this invasion.
Rather, one is obliged to support the people of Ukraine, said Met Managing Director Peter Gelb in a video message published on Sunday.
"While we firmly believe in the warm friendship and cultural exchange that has long existed between artists and artistic institutions in Russia and the United States, we can no longer associate with artists or institutions that support or are supported by Putin." said Yellow.
This will continue "until the invasion and the killing are stopped, order is restored and reparations are paid."
According to the New York Times, the new line could also hit superstar Anna Netrebko.
The soprano has been booked for performances of Puccini's »Turandot« at the New York Opera House from April 30th.
"I love my country"
Netrebko wrote on Instagram on Sunday that she was "against this war": "I am Russian and love my country, but I have many friends in Ukraine and the pain and suffering breaks my heart.
I want this war to stop and people to live in peace.«
The singer, who celebrated her 50th birthday with a big gala in the Kremlin last year, also wrote: »It is not right to force artists or other public figures to express their political opinions in public and you to denounce homeland.«
Met Managing Director Gelb did not explicitly comment on Netrebko in the video message.
The partnership with the Bolshoi was initially not declared over.
Among other things, the Met had wanted to work with the Moscow house for the new production of Wagner's "Lohengrin" planned for the coming season and wanted to use the stage design and wardrobe.
According to the New York Times, on Sunday evening, Gelb said he was sad that the partnership with the Bolshoi, which began five years ago, is likely to come to an end.
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