Opera Houses around the world are showing solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

Many houses are dedicating performances as well as illuminating the facades of their building with the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma noted that the illumination was to confirm its role as “a pole of civil and cultural aggregation of the Capital with respect to a tragedy that is affecting a neighboring population and, above all, to reaffirm the commitment that the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Foundation is in favor of peace and against all wars.”

Meanwhile, the Finnish National Opera and Ballet said, “Our thoughts are with Ukraine and its people.”

The Bayerische Staatsoper, ballet, and orchestra said “we are deeply dismayed by the current events in Ukraine. As a cultural institution, Respect for one another, integrity with one another, and dialogue with one another ars absolutely essential for us. This is the only way to guarantee freedom and humanity. 

Meanwhile, the Berlin Philharmonic will dedicate Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony to those affected by the Russian attacks on Ukraine. The concertwill be led by Gustavo Dudamel with soloists Nadine Sierra and Okka von der Damerau.

The Semperoper Dresden added its voice with a statement,

The Semperoper Dresden strongly condemns Russia’s attack on Ukraine as an inexcusable breach of the peaceful European order established after 1989. This order, based on the self-determination of nations, the observance of human rights and the resolution of dispute through dialogue and diplomacy, underpins the peaceful coexistence of all peoples. It has now been destroyed by an autocratic ruler in disregard of the rights and freedom of the Ukrainian people.

Together with its employees from all over the world, some of whom come from the countries and regions affected by the current war, the Semperoper viewsitself as a cosmopolitan institution committed to peaceful dialogue and cultural exchange. As artistic director Peter Theiler states: ”Our sympathy andunconditional solidarity go to all those who are working for peace and democracy in countries affected by war, especially to our colleagues in the Saxon State Theatres who are worried about the fate of their country and their families.”

In this context and due to other dubious cases regarding the organisation of the SemperOpernball, such as the controversial awarding of medals by Semper Opernball e.V. to Russian President Vladimir in 2009 Putin and to Egyptian President Al-Sisi in 2020,the Semperoper Dresden strongly distances itself from Hans-Joachim Frey, the artistic director of the event. These and other actions of the organiser reinforce the already considerable misgivings aroundhis decisions.

As Peter Theiler emphasizes: ”Despite its prominence in Dresden’s social calendar, the SemperOpernball does not represent the artisticconvictions of the Semperoper«. Rather, Semper Opernball e.V. – the organiser of SemperOpernball – is an entirely separate institution. The Semperopermerely allows Semper Opernball e.V. to hire the opera house for the purpose of holding the ball. Mr Frey’s business dealings in connection with the organisation of the opera ball are proving counterproductive and damaging to the image of the Saxon State Opera. Therefore, it is now imperative that the Semper Opernball e.V. take a clear and unambiguous positionin regard to its artistic director.”

Oper Frankfurt noted, “Russia started attacking the Ukraine on Thursday. We wish to show our solidarity for everyone in the Ukraine, especially our Ukrainian colleagues at Oper Frankfurt, who continue working in this dreadful situation despite huge personal stress and private and familial worries and fears. We appeal to everyone responsible to strive for peace and an immediate end to hostilities.”