While conductor Valery Gergiev, close to Vladimir Putin, has been silent since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Anna Netrebko has finally chosen to speak out.
The star soprano, who celebrated her 50th birthday last year in the Kremlin, had little choice.
One of her recitals has just been canceled in Denmark and the concert she is to give on Wednesday at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg is the target of a boycott.
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“I took the time to think
, explained the soprano on Tuesday in an Instagram post, published on Sunday.
First of all, I am opposed to this war.
I am Russian and I love my country, but I have many friends in Ukraine and the current pain and suffering breaks my heart.
I want this war to end and people to be able to live in peace.
This is what I hope for and what I pray for
, ”said the star.
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“However, I would like to add that it is not fair to force artists, or any other personality, to express their political opinions in public and to denounce their country of origin. It should be a free choice. I am not a political person. I am not a political expert. I am an artist and my goal is to unite beyond political divisions
,” continued the Russian soprano.
Since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, she had not published anything on her social networks.
"I stand up with my voice for the freedom and independence of Ukraine"
Elena Garanca, Latvian mezzo-soprano
Accomplice of Anna Netrebko on stage, Elena Garanca, great Latvian mezzo-soprano, does not share these modesty.
“I have completely withdrawn from any future concerts in Russia
,” she announced on her Twitter account on February 28.
"
I find it irresponsible and highly immoral that my name should be associated with any event in a country that has decided on war against the democratic and independent nation of Ukraine and against European society as a whole
," said the singer, who is one of the biggest names on the opera scene today.
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“I cannot support people who support Putin and his regime, even if they are trapped by the impossibility of making an honest statement”
, she adds in her message, specifying knowing what the invasion and the occupation are. with his nationality.
"War is NOT a solution
," she continued, wondering what the world would be like
"without cultural exchanges between peoples
. "
