For years, Netrebko was the crown jewel of the Munich stage, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the "non-negotiable" values of the house overnight. A Question of Distance
The cancellation, announced by Artistic Director Serge Dorny, wasn't just about Netrebko's nationality. It was sparked by what the opera house called a from the Russian regime following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For years, Netrebko was the crown jewel of
While Netrebko eventually issued a statement condemning the "war against Ukraine" in late March 2022, the Bavarian State Opera—alongside other major institutions like the Metropolitan Opera —initially found her response inadequate given her past public associations with Vladimir Putin. Why the Decision Was Made The balancing act continues - OPERN•NEWS announced by Artistic Director Serge Dorny