September 29, 2013
As the Metropolitan Opera prepared to host a performance of gay Russian
composer Peter Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, which featured Russian conductor
Valery Gergiev, and soprano Anna Netrebko, both longtime and vocal supporters
of Vladimir Putin, supporters of LGBT people in Russia staged a protest.
Composer Andrew Rudin, started a petition asking the Met to dedicate that
nights's Gala to LGBT people in Russia. Putin had unleased a torrent of gay
bashings, kidnappings and killings in Russia, coinciding with his new laws
prohibiting gay "propaganda".
But the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera Peter Gelb announced
that he would not do so: "We respect the right of activists to picket our
opening night and we realize that we've provided them with a platform to
further raise awareness about serious human rights issues abroad. As they
watch our performance on the giant screen on the facade of the opera house,
we hope that they will be moved by Tchaikovsky's soaring melodies and
telling drama."
Copyright © September 29, 2013 by Bruce Garrett
All Rights Reserved.
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