The professional association of opera companies and festivals in Europe "Opera Europa" show their support to the Ukrainian people and start "OPERA FOR UKRAINE"

"Opera Europa" expresses solidarity and support with Ukraine and asks Russian artists not to remain silent.

"The Board of Opera Europa, on behalf of its 220 member companies, offers unequivocal support to its members in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv and Odesa, and all the people of Ukraine as they suffer from the hostile invasion of Russian troops. We want to express our admiration for the extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity being shown by the inhabitants of Ukraine.  We offer solidarity with Ukraine in its existential battle for the precious values of freedom and democracy, but we recognise that solidarity alone is not enough. We have launched project “Opera for Ukraine” - our members have taken various initiatives to show their support to the Ukrainian people and their colleagues from Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa” - that was said in the statement.

Within project "OPERA FOR UKRAINE" various European opera houses support  Ukraine in different ways: hang the Ukrainian flag, illuminate the building with colors of Ukrainian flag, begin performances with the words "Glory to Ukraine", sing "God the Great", create fundraising companies "Help Ukraine", organize solidarity concerts with the participation of Ukrainian artists and other.

At the same time, the association called on Russian artists to be brave and not to be silent about the events in Ukraine.

"We believe that there are many artists and institutions within Russia, who are experiencing profound concern, disapproval and shame at what is happening, but dare not speak out for fear of savage retaliation.  We ask them to conquer that fear and do whatever is in their power to influence public opinion against the war, so that Ukraine may be spared further attacks" - was sayed in the statement.