Last Saturday’s live broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s Mozart’s Magic Flute was a family affair. Adapted fpr the holidays, the hope was to attract an audience of all ages.
The announcer’s credits at the broadcast’s end named the stage crew and technicians who worked behind the scenes. Then a sentence I don’t remember ever hearing. The announcer’s final words: This seasons productions at the Metropolitan Opera are dedicated to the people of Ukraine.
Two American administrations have been ambivalent in their support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom. But there has never been any doubt where this premier international organization, which engages singers from around the world, stands on Russia’s invasion.
At the Met’s first performance after the February 2022 attack, the entire cast came in front of the curtain. All used scores to sing the Ukrainian national anthem, I assume most for the first time.
One person in this across the curtain lineup, a 24 year old bass-baritone artistic apprentice, did not use a score. His hand is over his heart. An international symbol of gratitude. He is Ukrainian.
The enire audience rises. The event still brings tears from a time the world believed an unstoppable tragedy was unfolding.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUfwy3f3R4s&t=32s)
The Ukrainian Nation’s Finest Hour
Ukraine did not and will not surrender. It now stands as a shield for all of its neighbors. Russia’s Putin has repeated publicly his intent to restore its empire over Eastern Europe and the Baltic states. Ukraine’s national spirit reminds us of Great Britain’s heroic fight alone against Nazi Germany in 1940/1941 The Battle of Britain is still called that nation’s Finest Hour.
Following are some glimpes of the character of the Ukrainian people at this moment of Christmas hope in a place where there is no peace.
The caption with this Facebook entry: “In 2025, Santa looks just like this – with prosthetics, a strong spirit and smile stronger than any frost. The holidays come even amid war and our Heroes give us this atmosphere with their lives and resilience.”
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1582250769639125
A Christmas concert: Silent Night and Carole of the Bells. Note the audience wears winter coats to stay warm. One hears an occasional cough as well. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1371985887958494
Soldiers performing “Shchedryk” (Carol of the Bells) in a bombed out building on the front line. They are part of the Cultural Forces of Ukraine. The 3 soldiers are: Mykhailo Oliinyk – composer and pianist, Taras Stoliar – Bandurist and People’s Artist of Ukraine, and Olha Rukavishnikova – violinist and one of many young women serving in the army.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1350402266836360
The Banchen Monastary Choir’s recent concert.
This person captures the spirit of the nation in his efforts to walk again, perseverance personified. Many Ukrainian soldiers are badly injured by Russian land mines. Wait for the smile at the end.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1381593443675770
As Americans enjoy peace and pray to end all war, the Ukraine conflict will take more than words. Freedom will always face tests of will here and around the world.
Ukraine is giving all who believe in democratic government daily gifts of sacred sacrifice. All intended so that their children and ours may live in peace and freedom.