Metropolitan Opera Unveils First Excerpt from Upcoming Opera about Deported Ukrainian Children
The Metropolitan Opera has unveiled the first excerpt from “Mother of Kherson,” a powerful new opera inspired by the true stories of Ukrainian mothers who crossed active war zones to rescue their children forcibly deported to Russian-occupied Crimea.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Ukraine's Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.
The opera, composed by renowned Ukrainian composer Maksym Kolomiiets in collaboration with celebrated American playwright George Brant, is rooted in first-hand accounts from the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson.
“This opera is more than a work of art, it’s a living testimony to resilience and the human cost of war,” said Peter Gelb, General Manager of the Metropolitan Opera. “Through music and storytelling, we aim to ensure the world does not turn away from this tragedy.”
The world premiere of “Mother of Kherson” will take place in October 2026 at the Polish National Opera in Warsaw, with a Metropolitan Opera debut scheduled for the 2027-2028 season.
The production features celebrated soprano Erin Morley in a lead role, under the baton of Ukrainian-Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson. Acclaimed Polish director Barbara Wysocka will bring the production to life on stage.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Metropolitan Opera has been a steadfast cultural ally. It has launched the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra, severed ties with pro-Kremlin artists, and organized numerous benefit concerts to support Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.
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