From BZ/dpa
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner is, in his own words, “very critical” of the planned appearance of the Austrian-Russian singer Anna Netrebko at the Unter den Linden State Opera. Culture Senator Chialo wants to boycott the performance.
On Tuesday, Wegner referred to the “self-sacrificing fight for freedom” of the Ukrainian people against the Russian war of aggression.
“In this war, Ukraine is defending not only its freedom and democracy, but also ours. That’s why I regret that an internationally successful singer like Anna Netrebko has not yet clearly and unambiguously distanced herself from the Russian war of aggression and Putin,” Wegner told the German Press Agency.
“But the freedom of art and culture is a valuable asset in our country,” continued Wegner. “This also applies to all institutions in Berlin and their decisions about their artistic program.” This is very different from Russia, where freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of art have long been trampled on. “Nevertheless, I don’t want to make any secret of my personal opinion: I view this appearance in our city very critically.”
“All my solidarity and the solidarity of the entire city goes to Ukraine and its brave citizens,” said Wegner. “That is why it is a great honor for me to be able to welcome the mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, on Thursday and to conclude a twin city partnership with the Ukrainian capital Kiev.”
► Berlin’s Senator for Culture Joe Chialo wants to boycott the performances of the controversial Austrian-Russian singer Anna Netrebko at the State Opera Unter den Linden. “I have decided not to attend any of the performances,” said the CDU politician on Tuesday in Berlin.
On Friday, Chialo will look at the photo exhibition “Russian War Crimes” at Humboldt University, directly opposite the State Opera, together with Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev.
Senator for Culture Joe Chialo Photo: Ralf Günther
“Anna Netrebko is undoubtedly an outstanding soprano whose talent is admired on the opera stage,” said Chialo. “It is regrettable that it has not clearly and unambiguously distanced itself from the Russian regime in connection with the war of aggression against Ukraine.” At the same time, Chialo said: “Art is free, and our institutions have the right to design their own programs To make decisions.
► The 51-year-old Netrebko is cast in the role of Lady Macbeth in Giuseppe Verdi’s “Macbeth” at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden this Friday. Further performances are planned this month.
There are protests against this, including from science and culture. A demonstration in front of the State Opera has been announced for Friday if Netrebko’s appearances are not canceled.