A Russian Soprano Charts a Return to the Top After Ukraine Backlash
One of opera’s biggest stars, Anna Netrebko is back at the Berlin State Opera despite accusations of associating with Vladimir Putin.
Illustration: Lee Kyutae for Bloomberg
Under the gold-embossed ceiling of the Berlin State Opera house, concert-goers sip champagne as ushers in black suits direct patrons to their seats. Two ladies in sequins confer over their programs; nearby, a man in a satin bow tie grins for a photo.
Outside, the scene is less genteel. On the boulevard in front of the opera house, around 30 protesters — many of them draped in Ukrainian flags — chant slogans decrying Russian propaganda and argue with arriving ticket-holders. One holds a sign that reads in English: “Among dozens of world-class opera voices, you choose the voice of a Russian who supports Putin.” An ambulance from Ukraine, damaged by shrapnel, is parked nearby for the occasion.