Judge Narrows Anna Netrebko’s Case Against Met

The “Point of Ukraine” organization called to boycott the Putin-associated soprano Anna Netrebko’s concert in Linz, Austria on August 23rd. On the same day in the US, her case against the Metropolitan Opera was greenlit by a judge.

Making headlines: The Russian soprano and friend to Vladimir Putin, Anna Netrebko, performed in Linz, Austria on August 23rd. Her concert was met with demonstrations by the Ukrainian organization, Point of Ukraine. Austria’s Ukrainian ambassador, Wassyl Chymynez, called her concert a slap in the face to all Ukrainians who are victims of Russian aggression.

The Point of Ukraine organization is made up of employees and students of Johannes Kepler University in Linz as well as other Austrian citizens. They previously called for boycotts and a cancellation of the concert and pointed out that Netrebko has been on the Ukrainian list of sanctioned persons since 2023.

In case you missed it…: Anna Netrebko made further headlines this week when her defamation case against the Metropolitan Opera was greenlit by Judge Analisa Nadine Torres on Friday afternoon. Judge Torres ruled that Netrebko’s case has merit under claims of gender discrimination. The soprano has been suing the Met for at least $360,000 USD for defamation, breach of contract, and discrimination because of national origin. She was dropped from her Metropolitan Opera contracts following her refusal to speak out against Vladimir Putin.

Bigger Picture

As the legal proceedings continue, this case underscores the complex interplay between art, politics, and the personal lives of public figures.

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Sara Schabas

Sara Schabas is a Dora-nominated soprano, writer and yoga teacher. She has performed and created leading roles with companies including Vancouver Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Dayton Opera, and Aspen Opera, and is a former member of Barbara Hannigan’s Equilibrium Young Artists. Currently based in Montreal, she is a doctoral student at McGill University — where she recently received the Wirth Vocal Prize — and editor of Art Song Canada magazine.