Netrebko’s concert was scheduled for Oct. 6 with the Transylvanian Philharmonic Orchestra, and the program included the presentation of an honorary doctorate to her by the Gheorghe Dima National Academy of Music.
The ministry reported that to prevent the performance, the Ukrainian Embassy in Romania held talks with the rector of the music academy, with local and national Romanian authorities — including the Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Culture — and also engaged civil society representatives.
“By cancelling Netrebko’s performance, the Romanian side demonstrated understanding and solidarity with Ukraine in countering Russia’s hybrid influence through so-called ‘cultural events,’” the ministry said.
“As long as Russia continues its brutal war of aggression and its forces commit war crimes daily, international isolation must continue. Culture cannot be a tool to launder the aggressor’s reputation.”
In July 2024, Ukrainian activists succeeded in having the performance of pro-Kremlin conductor Valery Gergiev cancelled at a festival in Italy.