On June 17, the Odessa Opera reopened with a gala performance. The theater noted in a press release that the current performances are being dedicated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who are making it possible to reopen the theater and allowing artists to work. At the opening performance, the audience rose to perform the National Anthem of Ukraine. Chief {…}

As the city of Odessa prepares to be attacked by the Russian army, members of the Odessa Opera Company joined volunteers in building barricades and sandbag walls to protect the city. This month the Odessa Opera House was set to perform Verdi’s “Aida” and “Il Trovatore,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” but all performances were canceled due to the unprovoked war. Now {…}