Ban pro-russian performer Netrebko who supported terrorists in occupied Donetsk, Ukraine
The Issue
Dear Mr. Barbato,
I hope this message finds you in good spirits this fall cultural season!
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the scheduled performance of Russian soprano Anna Netrebko on February 3, 2025. While I recognize her exceptional talent, her public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine makes her appearance deeply troubling.
Her support of the illegal invasion and destruction of Ukraine is unacceptable. Ms. Netrebko has not only endorsed Putin but has also been photographed holding a flag used by Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. This occurred after she donated a million of rubles to the Donetsk Opera, located in a region of Ukraine currently occupied by Russian forces. Such actions clearly demonstrate her alignment with a regime responsible for war crimes and atrocities, and undermining the values of peace and humanity that cultural institutions like Palm Beach Opera have always stood by.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from this war is staggering. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), 12,162 Ukrainian civilians, including hundreds of children, have lost their lives, and more than 14 million people have been displaced, either within Ukraine or seeking safety abroad. This is one of the largest refugee crises in recent history, uprooting entire communities and inflicting profound suffering on countless families, including families in South Florida.
Institutions like Palm Beach Opera must recognize that Russia has long used culture and its cultural ambassadors to whitewash its image on the global stage. Russia presents itself as a civilized nation while committing genocide against the independent nation of Ukraine. Figures like Anna Netrebko, by aligning themselves with the Kremlin, become tools in this effort to normalize violence and oppression. It is crucial that Palm Beach Opera does not allow itself to be complicit in this form of propaganda.
In light of these facts, I respectfully urge Palm Beach Opera to reconsider its decision to host Anna Netrebko’s performance. Thank you for considering this important request.
The Issue
Dear Mr. Barbato,
I hope this message finds you in good spirits this fall cultural season!
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the scheduled performance of Russian soprano Anna Netrebko on February 3, 2025. While I recognize her exceptional talent, her public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine makes her appearance deeply troubling.
Her support of the illegal invasion and destruction of Ukraine is unacceptable. Ms. Netrebko has not only endorsed Putin but has also been photographed holding a flag used by Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. This occurred after she donated a million of rubles to the Donetsk Opera, located in a region of Ukraine currently occupied by Russian forces. Such actions clearly demonstrate her alignment with a regime responsible for war crimes and atrocities, and undermining the values of peace and humanity that cultural institutions like Palm Beach Opera have always stood by.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from this war is staggering. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), 12,162 Ukrainian civilians, including hundreds of children, have lost their lives, and more than 14 million people have been displaced, either within Ukraine or seeking safety abroad. This is one of the largest refugee crises in recent history, uprooting entire communities and inflicting profound suffering on countless families, including families in South Florida.
Institutions like Palm Beach Opera must recognize that Russia has long used culture and its cultural ambassadors to whitewash its image on the global stage. Russia presents itself as a civilized nation while committing genocide against the independent nation of Ukraine. Figures like Anna Netrebko, by aligning themselves with the Kremlin, become tools in this effort to normalize violence and oppression. It is crucial that Palm Beach Opera does not allow itself to be complicit in this form of propaganda.
In light of these facts, I respectfully urge Palm Beach Opera to reconsider its decision to host Anna Netrebko’s performance. Thank you for considering this important request.
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Petition created on December 22, 2024