Metropolitan Opera supports Ukraine

Before the performance of Verdi's Macbeth on October 14, Peter Gelb, the general director of the Metropolitan Opera, reiterated the opera house's support for Ukraine and its people in their fight for freedom. He reminded the audience that the Met has been standing by Ukraine since the Russian invasion began and stressed that the country, facing ongoing attacks, needs global support more than ever.

Ukrainian national anthem performed

Following Gelb's statement, music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducted the orchestra in playing the Ukrainian national anthem. The audience, in a show of solidarity, stood throughout the performance, demonstrating their support for Ukraine.

Context of the gesture

According to the website Opera Wire, this act of solidarity came after the Trump administration signed a petroleum agreement with Russia. The Met's support for Ukraine has been ongoing since the war began in February 2022, including the creation of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra in partnership with the Polish National Opera.

New opera highlights Ukrainian struggle

Two days after the Macbeth performance, on October 16, the Polish National Opera in Warsaw premiered The Mothers of Kherson, an opera by Ukrainian composer Maxim Kolomiiets. The opera, with a libretto by American George Brant, tells the story of Ukrainian mothers searching for their children abducted by Russia.

Future performance plans

The opera was co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera and will be performed again in New York during the 2027-28 season. This collaboration highlights the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Ukraine through the arts.