DiscoverThe Slow NewscastThe diva and the dictator: opera at war
The diva and the dictator: opera at war

The diva and the dictator: opera at war

Update: 2025-09-02
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Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Anna Netrebko was the biggest opera star in a generation. Since the war, due to past support for Vladimir Putin, she has effectively been boycotted by theatres around the world. Except, this autumn, she’ll be headlining the Royal Opera House’s new season.


Reporters: Vanessa Thorpe, Nina Kuryata and Lauren Crosby Medlicott

Producer: Jonathan Lewis

Artwork: Lola Williams

Sound design: Dominic Delargy

Editor: Matt Russell


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The diva and the dictator: opera at war

The diva and the dictator: opera at war