Prague government opposes local performance by Russian soprano Anna Netrebko
The Prague ruling coalition says it “unequivocally” opposes the planning performance of Russian soprano Anna Netrebko
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The local government in Prague said Monday that it “unequivocally" opposes a scheduled performance by Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko in the Czech capital while Russia wages war on Ukraine.
Deputy Mayor Jiri Pospisil, who oversees culture in the city, said that all the members of Prague's governing coalition shared the same view.
“All the parties perceive that at a time when the war (in Ukraine) has been ongoing and we read every day about the victims of the Russian attacks in the media, it is insensitive for such a singer to perform here in Prague,” Pospisil said.
The Czech Republic has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine during the war. The governing coalition in Prague is made up of the same political parties that comprise the Czech government.
The view from City Hall does not necessarily mean Netrebko's Oct 16 performance at Prague’s Municipal House won't take place as planned. The management of the venue, which is a civic building as well as a concert venue, has the final say.
Pospisil acknowledged it would be “very difficult” to find a legal reason to cancel the soprano's contract. Netrebko sued the Metropolitan Opera in New York City over its decision to to cut ties with her last year for refusing to repudiate her support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Her 2023-24 season includes engagements with Berlin’s Staatsoper unter den Linden, the Vienna State Opera, Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and the Paris Opera.