Metropolitan Opera gave a special concert dedicated to the anniversary of the Ukrainian struggle against Russian aggression
In New York, on Feb. 24, 2023, the Metropolitan Opera held a concert, “For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope,” dedicated to the anniversary of the struggle of the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression. According to the Ukrinform correspondent in New York, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska addressed the audience through a video message displayed on the big screen.
The Metropolitan Opera Choir and Orchestra performed the National Anthem of Ukraine, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem, Ludwig van Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, and Valentin Sylvestrov’s Prayer for Ukraine. As the general director of the world-famous institution, Peter Gelb, noted, the Metropolitan Opera “immediately came to the defense of Ukraine in word and deed” right after the start of the full-scale war: it introduced the National Anthem of Ukraine into its repertoire, held a charity concert to raise funds to support the victims, terminated agreements with collectives from Russia and everyone who supports Putin. This evening, the opera building was illuminated with blue and yellow lights.
