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A Russian Soprano Charts a Return to the Top After Ukraine Backlash

A Russian Soprano Charts a Return to the Top After Ukraine Backlash

Bloomberg23-05-2025
Under the gold-embossed ceiling of the Berlin State Opera house, concert-goers sip champagne as ushers in black suits direct patrons to their seats. Two ladies in sequins confer over their programs; nearby, a man in a satin bow tie grins for a photo.
Outside, the scene is less genteel. On the boulevard in front of the opera house, around 30 protesters — many of them draped in Ukrainian flags — chant slogans decrying Russian propaganda and argue with arriving ticket-holders. One holds a sign that reads in English: 'Among dozens of world-class opera voices, you choose the voice of a Russian who supports Putin.' An ambulance from Ukraine, damaged by shrapnel, is parked nearby for the occasion.
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