VIDEO: Metropolitan Opera Will Cut Ties With Artists Who Support Putin

The Metropolitan Opera has announced, in a video statement from General Manager Peter Gelv, that it will cut ties with all performers and institutions who support Russian President Vladimir Putin of Russia, following Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

"While we believe strongly in the warm friendship and cultural exchange that has long existed between the artists and artistic institutions of Russia and the United States, we can no longer engage with artists or institutions that support Putin or are supported by him," Gelb said.

This policy will be in effect "until the invasion and killing has been stopped, order has been restored, and restitutions have been made."

Watch the video:

The Metropolitan Opera was founded in 1883, and is currently under the direction of General Manager Peter Gelb and Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

Each year, the Met stages more than 200 opera performances in New York, and transmits 10 productions to movie theaters around the world through the popular Live in HD series, reaching more than 2,000 venues in 73 countries across six continents. The Met has also developed a nationwide program for students to attend Live in HD transmissions for free in their schools, among numerous other educational programs.