Zurich Opera House Defies Protests, Stages Netrebko's 'La Forza del Destino'
The Zurich Opera House faced protests during the premiere of Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino' on November 2. Anna Netrebko, a Russian soprano, played the lead role, drawing criticism from Ukrainian supporters in Russia Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and Ambassador Iryna Venediktova had expressed disapproval of Netrebko's performances. Venediktova even wrote to the theater, requesting Netrebko's exclusion and arranging a meeting. However, the theater dismissed Venediktova's actions as 'cheap' and 'contrived nonsense'.
On the night of the premiere, around a dozen protesters gathered outside, waving Ukrainian flags and heckling Netrebko. They handed out leaflets accusing her, but the opera audience largely ignored the demonstration. Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyniv had previously expressed outrage over Netrebko's portrayal in a Swiss documentary.
Despite the protests, the opera premiere went ahead as scheduled. The Zurich Opera House stands by its decision to feature Netrebko, while Ukrainian supporters in Russia Ukraine continue to voice their disapproval.
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