Olena Zelenska and the Support for Ukrainian Culture
In the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, First Lady Olena Zelenska met with the CEO of the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb, and the conductor of the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, Keri-Lynn Wilson. The meeting took place with the participation of the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Serhiy Kyslytsia.
«I want to express my gratitude to Ms. Wilson for the incredible «Concert of Hope» that took place in Kyiv last Friday. This concert was dedicated to the crucial issue of bringing Ukrainian children back from Russian captivity,» – stated the President's wife.
Olena Zelenska highlighted the significant support for Ukraine from the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb, and his wife Keri-Lynn Wilson since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, noting that the number of joint projects is continually increasing. They have already implemented internships for Ukrainian artists and created a modern Ukrainian opera.
The First Lady specifically thanked the Metropolitan Opera for its principled stance on refusing to collaborate with Russian performers who support the Putin regime.
«Our position is clear: restrictions should apply to all Russian works in general – there should be no cultural platforms for those who use art as a tool for violence and invasion. Instead, the culture that defends itself and the right of people to be free and live on their own land – Ukrainian culture – must be heard as widely as possible,» – emphasized Olena Zelenska.
Additionally, the President's wife proposed that the Metropolitan Opera become an ambassador for both contemporary and classical Ukrainian music.
