The Philharmonie de Paris is scheduled to host a concert on October 11 featuring Anna Netrebko, a Russian soprano known for her support of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. As a publicly funded institution, led by Olivier Mantei and under the supervision of Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak, the Philharmonie should not endorse an artist with controversial ties to Putin’s regime. Stand With Ukraine calls on French authorities to cancel this event and take responsibility.
Despite her denials, Anna Netrebko has clearly demonstrated her support for Vladimir Putin and his regime. In 2014, she was photographed holding the “Novorossiya” flag at an event supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, she openly endorsed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, displaying slogans such as “To Berlin!” and wearing symbols like the black-and-orange St. George ribbon, commonly used by war supporters. Her support for Putin’s regime dates back to 2012 when her name appeared on a list endorsing his election.
In 2014, she donated to the Donetsk Opera House while the city was under Russian occupation. That same year, she performed at the Sochi Winter Olympics in a ceremony celebrating Putin’s regime and later celebrated her 50th birthday at the Kremlin concert hall.
Even after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, her lukewarm statements against the war seemed more driven by the need to maintain her artistic engagements than by genuine condemnation of the regime.
Art cannot be separated from politics, especially when artists actively support controversial regimes. Ignoring these facts and allowing Anna Netrebko to perform at the Philharmonie de Paris sends a troubling message, effectively normalizing support for Russia’s aggression.
Other cultural institutions, such as the Prague Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, have taken bold steps by canceling Netrebko’s performances. Stand With Ukraine urges the Philharmonie de Paris to follow suit, cancel Anna Netrebko’s concert, and suspend any future collaborations with her.
We must not normalize Russia, a country committing genocide in Ukraine and engaging in the mass deportation of children. No blood on the stage!
Join us in this call for justice and accountability.
