Dropped by Met, Netrebko to sing at Monte Carlo Opera

Anna Netrebko in the title role of Puccini's Tosca (Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera)

Soprano Anna Netrebko has been hired by the Monte Carlo Opera to sing this month following the Metropolitan Opera’s decision to drop her for failing to repudiate Russia President Vladimir Putin. The Monte Carlo Opera says Netrebko will sing the title role in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut in performances on April 22, 24, 27, and 30. The 50-year-old Russian replaces an originally announced Maria Agresta. Tenor Yusif Eyvazov, Netrebko’s husband, is scheduled to sing Des Grieux. Netrebko was to have sung five performances in a revival of Puccini’s Turandot at the Met in New York from April 30 to May 14.