Anna Netrebko to sing at Palm Beach Opera gala in first US appearance since 2019 [Video]

Soprano Anna Netrebko is scheduled to give a recital at the Palm Beach Opera for its gala on Feb. 3 in what would be her first U.S. appearance in six years.

Considered the world’s top soprano, Netrebko was dropped by the Metropolitan Opera in 2022 after she refused a demand by Met general manager Peter Gelb that she repudiate Russia President President Vladimir Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She has sued the Met, alleging defamation and breach of contract in a case that is pending.

“Arts organizations should not be involved in politics,” Palm Beach Opera general director James Barbato said in a telephone interview Wednesday. “In our opinion our mission is to connect people to explore what’s …