Uproar in Wiesbaden

Hundreds of people protest against Netrebko

Opera legend Anna Netrebko is no longer welcome everywhere.(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Several hundred people have protested against a performance by Russian-born soprano Anna Netrebko in front of the Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden. The opera star has repeatedly been accused of being close to Russian ruler Vladimir Putin.

On Saturday evening, around 400 demonstrators gathered for around five hours, according to a police spokesperson on Sunday. Everything remained peaceful and there were no incidents.

Criticism due to the war in Ukraine
There had already been protests during Netrebko's appearance at the 2023 May Festival in Wiesbaden. Netrebko, who also holds an Austrian passport, was criticized for her alleged closeness to Russian President Putin after the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.

Just a few days ago, a concert with Netrebko scheduled for June 1 in Lucerne, Switzerland, was canceled under pressure from the cantonal government. In the recent past, concerts with Netrebko have been canceled in numerous Western countries.

Netrebko was at the Opera Ball
Her management always points out that Netrebko has spoken out against the war. She has since been invited back. Among other things, she sang at the Berlin State Opera in September 2023. In February, she was a guest at the Opera Ball in Vienna.