Ukrainian community protest Zurich concert of pro-Putin opera singer Netrebko

ZURICH – The Ukrainian community in Switzerland on Oct. 25 held a protest against the scheduled performance of Russian soprano Anna Netrebko, who is known for her public support of Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin and Russia’s occupation of eastern Ukraine.

The concert is scheduled for Nov. 2 at the Zurich Opera House, according to the organization Ukrainians in Switzerland.

“This artist is not ‘apolitical.’ Anna Netrebko has actively supported Russia’s aggressive regime and its occupation of eastern Ukraine when it suited her,” the community said.

The organization urged the Zurich Opera House to cancel the event and called on Netrebko to publicly apologize and renounce past support for Russia’s egregious and illegal actions.

“She must clearly position herself against Putin’s terrorist state, whose propaganda machine she once served. Until she does, her performance is an insult to the victims, and all five scheduled shows should be canceled,” the statement read.

Protesters also emphasized that Zurich should not provide a platform for artists who are complicit in promoting political violence, adding that “art should never serve as a bridge to terror.”

Earlier this month, the Ukrainian community and diplomats in Romania succeeded in having Netrebko’s performance in Cluj-Napoca canceled. In September, Ukrainians in the UK protested her concerts at the Royal Opera House.

Netrebko, a Russian citizen who also holds Austrian citizenship, is known for her support of dictator Vladimir Putin’s regime. In 2014, she posed with the flag of the so-called “Novorossiya” and endorsed militants in the L/DPR regions.

Ukraine added the singer to its sanctions list in 2023.