Violinist Gidon Kremer Says Netrebko's Donation to Donetsk Opera a "Completely Conscious and Political Act"

For the world-renowned soprano, Anna Netrebko, her latest endorsement of an opera theatre in Donetsk has brought with it some political tension. Per Deutsche Welle, Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer said of the singer that her intentions were of a "completely conscious and political act."

Earlier this week, Netrebko made a donation to an opera theatre in Donetsk. She handed a check over to politician Oleg Tsarov for the sum of $1 million rubles. Tsarov promised to deliver the money to the company.

However, before the two parted ways, they posed for a picture holding the flag that many Russia separatist groups use. This sparked major controversy that the singer supported illegal Ukrainian factions and that her intentions were motivated beyond the confines of art.

Continuing his statement, per Slipped Disc, Kremer further said, "Artists should spread peace and harmony. It's a shame that one of the world's most beautiful voices makes such incongruous noises"

But Ms. Netrebko claims that the idea to hold the flag was imposed on her and that it was a last minute gesture of the interview. She also wanted to make it clear that the donation was for the betterment of art and not motivated by political bias.

For now, the singer remains steadfast on her neutrality.

Here she is below.