“We demonstrate the free world’s ongoing cultural resolve to defend Ukraine’s liberty in the face of brutal oppression,” said Met general manager Peter Gelb during intermission.

Anna Netrebko will sing the title role in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut.

Anna Netrebko also repeated her opposition to the war and said she is not “allied with any leader of Russia.”

Peter Gelb, Met Opera’s general manager, says it’s “a great artistic loss for the Met.” But with what’s happening in Ukraine, Gelb said there was ”no way forward.”

Netrebko withdraws from a new production of Wagner’s Lohengrin at the Metropolitan Opera that is among seven new stagings the company announced for its 2022-23 season.

Soprano Anna Netrebko needs shoulder surgery and has canceled performances in Verdi’s Nabucco at the Vienna State Opera.

Many composers have also answered the call of springtime’s riotous colors during this, the blooming season.

Renée Fleming, Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, Roberto Alagna, and Bryn Terfel are among 38 opera stars in 13 nations scheduled for the Metropolitan Opera’s At-Home gala, which will be streamed live on April 25.

Today, Lyric Opera of Chicago announced its 2018/19 including special performances by sopranos Anna Netrebko and Renée Fleming.