Anna Netrebko is set to return to the Bayerische Staatsoper during the 2026-27 season after being let go in 2022 at the start of the war in Ukraine.

Regarding the soprano’s return General Director Serge Dorny said, “Vladimir Jurowski and I have clearly sided with Ukraine. This position is non-negotiable. In 2022, we decided to suspend Ms. Netrebko’s performances. Since then, some things have changed: She no longer performs in Russia, she has clearly distanced herself from the war of aggression, and she has described her closeness to the regime as a mistake. Artistic collaboration based on a clear understanding of values ​​is an expression of a nuanced perspective.”

Dorny commented further in Merkur stating, “Several years ago, we decided not to invite Anna Netrebko. The Bavarian State Opera has always taken a pro-Ukraine stance. However, Anna Netrebko’s situation has changed… Therefore, we have also re-evaluated our position. In principle, one shouldn’t freeze one’s position and must consider things in a nuanced way. Anna Netrebko will be invited to perform in opera productions in the future.”

In 2022, Dorny suggested that the door of the theater was not completely locked. He told BR-Klassik, “Language can be incredibly hurtful. It can be incredibly disturbing. It is important to say things very clearly. But now it’s time to turn things around and try to start again – also with Anna Netrebko. For me, the door is absolutely not locked.”

Netrebko is set to return to the Bayerische Staatsoper on July 23, 2027 for a recital. She last performed at the theater in 2019 and has sung in productions of “Turandot,” “Macbeth,” “I Capuleti e I Montecchi,” and “Eugene Onegin,” among others.

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