(Credit: © 2023 Olga Rubio Dalmau)

Following criticism of Anna Netrebko’s Linz concert, organizer Simon Ertl has spoken out regarding the upcoming August 23 concert.

In a statement, Ertl said, “What is happening in Ukraine shakes us deeply – both on a human and political level. We condemn the Russian war of aggression and nothing is further from our mind than trivializing what is happening. Nevertheless, as organizers we are faced with the difficult situation of having to meet contractual obligations and liabilities and at the same time we are fully convinced that art and culture can have a positive influence as a unifying element. Music has the unique ability to communicate across political and social boundaries and to connect people. As cultural organizers, we see it as our task to promote this universal language and to emphasize the unifying element of music, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious background. In this case with Italian arias performed by Anna Netrebko, Yusuf Eyvazov, Daria Rybak, Jérôme Boutillier and Mattia Olivieri under the direction of Marco Boemi.”

He added, “There will undoubtedly be five top-class singers on stage – from different backgrounds and with different personal stories. These artists were hired because of their extraordinary abilities as singers, not because of their (political) orientation. Together they form a musical unity that will hopefully touch many people. Suspending the planned concert would silence this power of music. Furthermore, it would not be a purely social decision, but rather a far-reaching economic one. Concert engagements for artists in the classical music sector are arranged years in advance – long before it is possible to react to current events. The contracts concluded result in numerous financial obligations – towards agencies, artists, and other service providers. A cancellation – and the associated liabilities – would not be financially viable for a concert organizer of our size and would have far-reaching economic and existence-threatening effects. We understand (…) the reservations and are aware of the controversial discussions and the polarity that accompanies this concert. Our solidarity goes out to the victims of the war and we regret every further day of suffering. The concert on Cathedral Square should hopefully contribute to the positive and emphasize one thing again: the certainty that music can connect as a universal language.”

The response comes as Ukrainians in Upper Austria have been angered by the soprano’s presence at the Domplatz. The Ukrainian activists have called for the concert to be canceled for Netrebko’s alleged proximity to Russia. The soprano has denounced the war on three occasions and has not returned to Russia since 2022.